A car explosion outside a reproductive health facility in Palm Springs left one person dead late Saturday morning, and the city’s mayor is now saying the incident was “intentional.”
Preliminary information from local media outlets indicated that the explosion occurred at American Reproductive Centers, which is located at 1199 North Indian Canyon Drive, around 11 a.m.
NBC Palm Springs initially reported that the incident was a car explosion, and although the exact nature was not immediately known, it was later verified by American Reproductive Centers that it was a vehicle that exploded in a parking lot near their building.
Palm Springs city officials put out a community advisory shortly after the explosion that confirmed it had occurred just before 11 a.m. near North Indian Canyon Drive and East Tachevah Drive.
Footage posted to social media shows that the facility sustained heavy damage, and firefighters were seen dousing active flames. It was not immediately known how many people were inside the building at the time, but the Desert Sun reported that, per Palm Springs Police Department Lt. William Hutchinson, there appeared to be at least one fatality.
“Everything is in question, whether this is an act of terrorism,” Lt. Hutchinson told the outlet.
Shortly before 2:15 p.m. Saturday, Palm Springs Mayor Ron deHarte confirmed to KTLA that the incident was “a blast in or near a vehicle parked at the building.”
“It…was an intentional act of violence,” Mayor deHarte said.
Palm Springs Police Department Chief Andy Mills released a statement reiterating the mayor’s findings and confirming the fatality, elaborating that the blast scene “extends for blocks with several buildings damaged, some severely.”
“If residents find potential evidence, please leave it in place and call the non-emergency phone number: 760-387-1441,” Mills’ statement advises. “The incident appears to be isolated.”
American Reproductive Centers (ARC) put a statement out on social media that called the incident “unexpected and tragic” while confirming that no members of their team were harmed; additionally, the facility’s lab containing “all eggs, embryos and reproductive materials” remains fully secure and undamaged.
“We are heavily conducting a complete safety inspection and have confirmed that our operations and sensitive medical areas were not impacted by the blast,” the statement reads. “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 this world.”
The clinic also confirmed that at least one person died in the explosion.
“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,” ARC officials said, adding that the facility should be open and fully operational by Monday.
No information surrounding the decedent’s identity or where they were when the explosion occurred was available.
The boom was heard and felt by people as far as two miles away, according to reports. Video obtained by KTLA shows that a nearby store’s windows were shattered and products scattered across the floor due to the explosion.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom confirmed shortly before 1 p.m. Saturday that he had been briefed on the incident and was coordinating through the state’s Office of Emergency Services to support the response.
The FBI also announced it would be deploying assistance, including investigators, bomb technicians and an evidence response team, to the scene to help local authorities. ATF investigators are also being deployed, officials said.
Area residents were advised to stay away from the area so that emergency crews could operate as quickly and safely as possible.
This is a developing story. Stay with KTLA for updates.