West
Alleged Palm Springs fertility clinic bomber had 'large quantity' of explosive chemicals, FBI says
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FBI Los Angeles recently confirmed the suspect accused of targeting a Palm Springs, California, fertility clinic in a car bombing on Saturday had access to a “large quantity” of chemicals that could have been used to make explosives.
The blast, which FBI Los Angeles assistant director Akil Davis called an “intentional act of terrorism,” happened just before 11 a.m. local time near an American Reproductive Centers facility.
Guy Edward Bartkus, a 26-year-old “anti-pro-life” advocate from Twentynine Palms, allegedly set off a car bomb that killed him and wounded four others.
FBI Los Angeles confirmed on Tuesday Bartkus “had access to a large quantity of commercially available chemical products which could be combined to create a homemade explosive device.”
MINIVAN PLOWS THROUGH CROWD INJURING AT LEAST 9 IN BUSY LOS ANGELES SHOPPING DISTRICT
Acknowledging the attack was “targeted,” officials noted the incident was an act of domestic terrorism.
However, they did note it is “probably one of the largest bombing investigations that we’ve had in Southern California … on the scale of the Aliso Viejo bombing in Orange County,” which killed one person and injured two others in 2018.
Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Miles said debris extended across multiple blocks, describing it as a “massive” crime scene.
FIREFIGHTERS BATTLE INFERNO AFTER REPORTED EXPLOSION NEAR TEXAS AIRPORT, AT LEAST 4 INJURED
Palm Springs businesses were damaged after an alleged explosion on Saturday. (@_nimasworld / X)
Jason Pack, a retired FBI agent and hostage negotiator, told Fox News Digital it could take days for authorities to search for evidence of explosives through several blocks of rubble.
To determine the type and quantity of devices used, investigators will need to examine blast radius and structural impact to assess the power and direction of the explosion, and search for chemical residues of known explosive materials — such as ammonium nitrate, TATP, RDX, or PETN, according to Pack.
Key finds will also include fragments, shrapnel and device components, to help reconstruct the method of detonation.
“Whether this was a single large device or multiple smaller ones, those answers will come from detailed lab testing and scene reconstruction—not just visual assessment,” Pack said.
Posts on social media showed nearby businesses with glass and debris blown out of windows.
“Terrorism came knocking on the door of Palm Springs,” Miles said during a news conference Saturday night. “We survived, and I can tell you that this city will rise and be more and be more effective as a beacon of hope than before.”
LAS VEGAS POLICE SAY CYBERTRUCK THAT EXPLODED AT TRUMP HOTEL HAD FUEL CONTAINERS, LARGE FIREWORK MORTARS
An apparent explosion prompted a large emergency response in Palm Springs, Calif., on Saturday. (@_nimasworld / X)
The American Reproductive Centers fertility clinic said no staff members were harmed, and while the building was damaged, the IVF lab—including eggs, embryos and reproductive materials—were spared.
“This morning, an unexpected and tragic incident occurred outside our Palm Springs facility when a vehicle exploded in the parking lot near our building,” the company wrote in a Facebook post. “In the face of this tragedy, we remain committed to creating hope—because we believe that healing begins with community, compassion and care. … This moment has shaken us—but it has not stopped us. We will continue to serve with strength, love and the hope that brings new life into the world.”
The Palm Springs Police Department’s active call log listed multiple responses for medical service on the 1100 block of N Palm Canyon Drive, beginning just before 11 a.m. local time.
Map of explosion site in Palm Springs, Calif. (Fox News)
There were also various calls for burglaries in the area, according to police records.
In a statement on X, Attorney General Pam Bondi called the attack “unforgiveable.”
“We are working to learn more, but let me be clear: the Trump administration understands that women and mothers are the heartbeat of America,” Bondi wrote in the post. “Violence against a fertility clinic is unforgivable.”
Glass was seen on a Palm Springs street after the apparent blast in Palm Springs, Calif., on Saturday. (@_nimasworld / X)
In separate posts to X, U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California Bill Essayli and Gov. Gavin Newsom expressed their condolences and support for federal investigators working on the case.
The Palm Springs Fire Department, California Highway Patrol and Desert Regional Medical Center did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s requests for comment.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office told Fox News Digital it is not responding to the incident.
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San Francisco, CA
Chonkers the Gigantic Steller Sea Lion Draws Crowds to Pier 39
“He’s like a Volkswagen! He’s so huge!” said Oluwaseyi Akinbobola, a visitor from Los Angeles who had an extra half hour so she ran down to the pier for a hopeful peek of the elusive sea lion. “I have heard everywhere about this big giant sea lion, and I like to look at things, so just thought I’d check it out.”
Chonkers likely came from up north off the coast of Washington or Oregon and is estimated to weigh between 1,500 and 2,000 pounds (680 and 907 kilograms), said Laura Gill, public programs manager at The Marine Mammal Center in nearby Sausalito. Chonkers has been one of the few Steller sea lions to venture to the pier, which is protected from predators and crashing waves while providing a fish-filled buffet.
“There’s plenty of food in San Francisco Bay for them, so the fish, the rockfish, the anchovies, the herring, there’s a lot of easy prey for them,” she said.
@apnews A surprise guest at San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf is quite literally making waves. Meet Chonkers, the name given to a giant Steller sea lion spotted this week lounging among his considerably smaller California sea lion neighbors. Chonkers belongs to the Steller species, the largest of all sea lions, known for their commanding presence and dock-dominating energy. Adult males can weigh over a ton. #sealion #cuteanimals #sanfrancisco #seal #california #fishermanswharf #animals #ocean ♬ original sound – The Associated Press
Denver, CO
Hundreds targeted by Denver text scam show up for fake court hearing
At least 200 people crowded into the Denver City & County building on Friday morning after receiving a scam text about a traffic violation and court hearing.
Colorado is at least the ninth state to be hit by the scam that tries to get people to pay a fine through a QR code printed on an official-looking “final enforcement notice,” county court spokesperson Carolyn Tyler said.
Courts in Arizona, Delaware, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, Oregon, South Dakota, and Virginia reported similar scams, she said.
The fake document claims to be from the state of Colorado and the Denver County Traffic Division and is titled “Official Notice of Default and Enforcement Action.” The form instructs people to pay a fee by scanning a QR code on the form or show up for a court hearing — in this case, at 9 a.m. Friday in Denver.
“The court does not contact people this way,” Tyler said. “If you do get communications from the court, you should expect to see your name, your case number and specific identifying information.”
Court employees will never reach out by text to demand payment, county officials said.
Anyone who gets a suspicious text claiming they are in default for a traffic violation should report the information to local police and the Colorado Attorney General’s Office online at stopfraudcolorado.gov or the Denver District Attorney’s Office consumer fraud hotline at 720-913-9179.
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Seattle, WA
Seahawks rookie minicamp tryout players revealed
The Seattle Seahawks kicked off rookie minicamp at Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton on Friday. While the rookie draft class and undrafted free agents are all slated to participate, there are dozens of unsigned players who’ve received invites, including some non-rookies still trying to get an NFL contract.
Seattle Seahawks rookie minicamp invitees
And yes, Gee Scott Jr is the son of the longtime Seattle radio personality Gee Scott Sr. Gee Scott Jr was part of the New England Patriots and Washington Commanders practice squads last season, but he didn’t play in a game and otherwise is eligible for tryouts.
If you’re wondering about Jalen Milroe’s rookie minicamp eligibility, he accrued a full season and is under contract and therefore cannot participate.
Seahawks rookie minicamp ends on Saturday, May 2.
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