Palm Springs clinic bomber embraced ‘pro-mortalist’ extremism, left manifesto condemning birth

By isabelle // 2025-05-19

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A 25-year-old man detonated a car bomb outside a Palm Springs fertility clinic, killing himself and injuring four others in an act of domestic terrorism.
The attacker, Guy Edward Bartkus, left behind an audio manifesto promoting a radical "pro-mortalist" ideology, arguing human existence is unethical without consent.
Authorities found rifles and ammunition near the explosion, suggesting Bartkus may have planned an even deadlier attack before the blast.
The FBI raided Bartkus’ home over explosive concerns, while officials condemned the attack and emphasized the need to counter violent ideologies.

In a shocking act of ideological violence, a 25-year-old man detonated a car bomb outside a Palm Springs fertility clinic, killing himself and injuring four others. The attacker, identified as Guy Edward Bartkus of Twentynine Palms, California, left behind a disturbing audio manifesto espousing a radical “pro-mortalist” worldview—arguing that human existence is unethical because no one consents to being born. The FBI has classified the attack as an act of domestic terrorism, exposing the dangers of fringe ideologies that give way to real-world violence.

A calculated act of terror

The explosion, which rocked the American Reproductive Centers clinic on North Indian Canyon Drive on Saturday morning, sent debris flying across multiple blocks, shattered windows, and drew a massive emergency response. Authorities confirmed that Bartkus had set up a tripod at the scene, likely intending to film the attack, though the footage never uploaded to his personal website. The blast was so powerful that residents reported feeling it up to three miles away, with some describing a strange odor lingering in the air. “Make no mistake, this is an intentional act of terrorism,” an FBI spokesman declared during a press briefing. Investigators later found two rifles—an AK-47 and an AR-style weapon—along with ammunition near the exploded vehicle, raising concerns that Bartkus may have planned an even deadlier assault.

The twisted ideology behind the attack

Bartkus’ 30-minute audio manifesto revealed a deeply disturbed worldview. “I figured I would just make a recording explaining why I’ve decided to bomb an IVF building, or clinic,” he stated. “Basically, it just comes down to I’m angry that I exist and that, you know, nobody got my consent to bring me here.” This so-called “pro-mortalist” ideology—a radical offshoot of anti-natalism—asserts that procreation is inherently unethical because it forces life upon individuals without their consent. Bartkus’ writings also referenced the death of a woman named “Sophie,” who he claimed had arranged her own death by convincing her boyfriend to shoot her in her sleep. This account closely matches the April 22 killing of 27-year-old Sophie Tinney in Fox Island, Washington, where 29-year-old Lars Eugene Nelson now faces murder charges.

Law enforcement response and public safety concerns

Following the bombing, FBI agents raided Bartkus’ home in Twentynine Palms, declaring it a “blast zone” over fears of additional explosives. Tactical teams and bomb squads surrounded the residence, and neighbors were evacuated as officials conducted a controlled detonation. “There was just a bunch of sheriff’s deputies going door to door, telling everyone to leave,” said Thomas Bickel, a nearby resident. “I have kids and they come hang out at my house sometimes, and knowing that someone was building a bomb that close to where me and my kids are, it’s pretty scary.” Attorney General Pamela Bondi condemned the attack, emphasizing the sanctity of life. “The Trump administration understands that women and mothers are the heartbeat of America,” she said. “Violence against a fertility clinic is unforgivable.”

The broader threat of extremist ideologies

This attack underscores the growing concern over online radicalization, where isolated individuals adopt fringe beliefs that escalate into violence. While Bartkus acted alone, his actions reflect a dangerous trend of nihilistic extremism that law enforcement must now confront. Fortunately, the clinic confirmed that no reproductive materials were harmed in the blast, though the facility remains closed pending structural inspections. The four injured individuals are still hospitalized, with their conditions undisclosed. The Palm Springs bombing serves as a reminder of how extremist ideologies can manifest in real-world destruction. Bartkus’ warped “pro-mortalist” beliefs led him to target a facility dedicated to bringing life into the world in an act that stands in direct opposition to the values of liberty, family, and human dignity. As authorities continue to investigate, this tragedy highlights the urgent need for vigilance against radicalization and the importance of exposing the dangers of such malevolent worldviews. For now, the community remains shaken but resilient. As Palm Springs Police Chief Andrew Mills stated, “Yesterday, a man intent on harming others in our city failed. Palm Springs survived, and we are stronger and more resilient as a result.” Sources for this article include: YourNews.com FoxNews.com NYPost.com