One person was killed and at least four were injured Saturday when a car exploded in a powerful blast at a Palm Springs fertility clinic that the FBI deemed an intentional act of terrorism.
The explosion was reported sometime before 11 a.m. on the 1100 block of North Indian Canyon Drive, near Desert Regional Hospital, in a parking lot near American Reproductive Centers.
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WATCH HERESpeaking at an afternoon news conference, Akil Davis, assistant director in charge of the FBI Los Angeles field office, called the blast an intentional act of terrorism.
“Make no mistake, this is an intentional act of terrorism,” Davis said. “The FBI is investigating it as such. Our Joint Terrorism Task Force is here, working in lock step with the Palm Springs police department, the ATF and a whole host of agencies.”
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SIGN UP Multiple law enforcement tactical officers were seen outside a Twentynine Palms residence late Saturday night.
Sources familiar with the investigations confirm to NBC News that the scene in the Twentynine Palms residence is related to the ongoing investigation into the explosion in Palm Springs.
The FBI announced it will host a press conference at 10 a.m. Sunday, to provide more information on the investigation into the car explosion.
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Palm Springs Police Department Chief Andy Mills said in a post online that the blast field extended for blocks with debris scattered in the streets of the desert community east of Los Angeles. Davis estimated the debris field extended for about 250 yards.
Video from the scene showed several first responders in the area and a thick plume of smoke billowing from the American Reproductive Centers fertility clinic. Officials are working to determine the motive behind the explosion.
Authorities have not identified the person who was killed, but Davis said the FBI is not "actively out searching for a suspect."
The city's police chief said there is no wider threat to the community
"Terrorism came knocking on the door of Palm Springs," Chief Andrew Mills said. "We survived. And I can tell you that this city will rise."
In a statement Saturday afternoon, the American Reproductive Centers clinic said the vehicle exploded in the parking lot near the clinic building. Aerial video showed what appeared to be a mangled car in the parking lot a few feet from the building.
No employees were injured and the lab, including eggs, embryos and reproductive materials, were secure and not damaged, the clinic said.
“We are heartbroken to learn that this event claimed a life and caused injuries, and our deepest condolences go out to the individuals and families affected,” the statement continued. “Out of every tragedy, there is an opportunity to come together with deeper purpose. While today’s events have shaken us all, they also shine a light on the strength of our community, the bravery of our first responders, and the resilience of the families we serve.”
The clinic said it will reopen Monday morning.
As a result of the explosion, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has deployed investigators, bomb technicians and evidence response teams to the scene. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)'s Los Angeles division is also involved in the investigation.
Gov. Gavin Newsom's office said he's aware of the incident and the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services is assisting with the response.
The AFT deployed a team of technical experts to assist with the investigation.
This is a developing story. Please refresh as more updates become available.
