What Before the man believed to have detonated a large explosive at a fertility clinic in Palm Springs, California, on Saturday, people who knew Guy Edward Bartkus should have reported warning signs, said the city’s police chief.
What “That should have been reported.”
What Mills explained that the investigation revealed Bartkus, 25, was active in online groups and forums, posting videos on YouTube where he experimented with various explosive materials. “That should have been brought forward.”
Suspect exhibited ‘nihilistic ideations’
With Bartkus killed in the bombing, authorities are investigating his possible motive by reviewing his extensive online activity and searching his residence, located about an hour northeast of Palm Springs.
Officials released a photo of Bartkus, asking the public to provide any information about his movements before the attack.
Retired senior FBI profiler Dr. Mary Ellen O’Toole explained that nihilistic ideation involves a fixation on violence, despair, hatred, isolation, and an “end-of-the-world” mindset—a deeply pessimistic view of life.
Suspect may have posted an audio message
The FBI’s understanding of Bartkus’ mindset is based on writings they found, including what appears to be a manifesto.
One law enforcement source mentioned a rambling audio recording linked to the incident, where a man details plans to attack an IVF clinic. The message includes grievances about his life, criticism of IVF, and a claim of being “anti-life.” The speaker argues against government restrictions on an individual’s “right to die” and contends that babies should not be born without prior consent.
Experts caution that trying to find logic in such violent acts is often futile. O’Toole pointed out that the suspect’s ideas about unborn babies’ consent “have no basis in reality.”
She added that violent offenders’ grievances are often “shallow, illogical, and nonsensical,” a mix of superficial information gathered online or elsewhere. They patch together unrelated and illogical concepts that justify their violence.”
Attack was ‘targeted,’ motive remains unclear
He also revealed that Bartkus tried to live stream the bombing, though it’s unclear if the broadcast was successful.
The New York Police Department calls such acts “dying live,” where perpetrators livestream their final violent acts to gain attention and control their narrative.
John Miller, CNN’s Chief Law Enforcement Analyst and former NYPD counterterrorism official, explained that offenders often cast themselves as heroes or victims rather than villains in their final stories.
‘He was a follower’
Those who knew Bartkus described him as interested in flammable materials. His father, Richard Bartkus, told The New York Times that Guy had tinkered with model rockets, stink bombs, and smoke bombs but never with real explosives.
Richard said Guy once accidentally burned down their home in 2009 playing with matches. He hadn’t seen his son in a decade and described him as “not dumb” but “a follower.” He said, “If someone said it was a good idea, he’d probably go along with it.”
As the investigation continues, law enforcement is focused on whether Bartkus acted alone or had help or inspiration.
Chief Mills said Monday he is “very confident” Bartkus acted alone but added, “We want to make sure that, through social media, no one else assisted him in any way.”