Bomb blast outside fertility clinic in California, USA, one dead and 4 injured, FBI calls it a terrorist attack

A bomb exploded outside a fertility clinic in California, USA, killing one person. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has described it as a terrorist attack. The explosion took place in the downtown Palm Springs city, badly damaging the clinic and blowing out windows and doors of nearby buildings. The city’s police chief said it appeared to be a deliberate act.

Akeel Davis, head of the FBI’s Los Angeles office, said the clinic was deliberately targeted. However, he declined to say on what basis officials concluded it was a terrorist attack. The identity of the person who lost his life in the explosion has not yet been confirmed.

Four people injured in the explosion

Davis did not say whether the deceased is the suspect or not, but he said no other suspects are being sought. Davis said four people were injured in the explosion. According to two law enforcement officials familiar with the matter, the incident is being investigated as a possible car bomb blast.

The person who carried out the blast is likely dead

An official told the Associated Press that investigators believe the deceased was probably the one who carried out the blast, but he also said that the investigation is still in its initial stages. Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills described it as ‘intentional violence’. According to the city of Palm Springs, the blast occurred near North Indian Canyon Drive at 11 am and people were advised to stay away from the area. Dr. Maher Abdallah, who runs the ‘American Reproductive Centers’ clinic, confirmed that his clinic was damaged. He said that all the employees are safe and the IVF lab and embryos are also safe.