In a case that has shocked Southern California, federal authorities have apprehended a man who is believed to have collaborated with a fertility clinic bomber. Investigators say that the suspect supplied chemicals used to create explosives and made trips to California to test these materials with the bomber months before the devastating event.
Authorities reported that the two men initially connected through fringe online forums that leaned towards anti-natalist ideology, promoting viewpoints against human procreation. This ideology ultimately culminated in the bomb attack on a fertility clinic in Palm Springs, which resulted in substantial damage to the facility and surrounding buildings. The incident, deemed an act of terrorism, did not harm any embryos as the clinic was closed at the time.
The perpetrator of the bombing, Guy Edward Bartkus, lost his life during the explosion on May 17. Meanwhile, Daniel Park, a 32-year-old from Washington state, was arrested after being extradited from Poland, where he had fled days after the bombing. Park faces charges of providing support to terrorists.
The investigation revealed that Park amassed large quantities of ammonium nitrate, known for its explosive potential, which he sent to Bartkus. Earlier this year, Park visited Bartkus in Twentynine Palms, California, where the pair conducted experiments with explosives in the latter’s garage, according to FBI Assistant Director Akil Davis.
Daniel Park was detained at John F. Kennedy Airport in New York and appeared in a New York federal court. Due to concerns over his risk level, Judge Cheryl Pollak ordered his continued detention. Park is expected to be transferred to California, where he may request a probable cause hearing.
During a search of Park’s Kent, Washington residence, authorities discovered significant quantities of chemicals and notes on explosive mixtures, akin to those used in the infamous 1995 Oklahoma City bombing. Investigators found that Park had been purchasing ammonium nitrate in a series of online transactions over several months.
Evidence suggests that Bartkus engaged with an AI chat application exploring different explosive formulas days before the attack. Bartkus’ home also contained “large quantities” of explosive materials. Although an analysis indicated ammonium nitrate was likely used, it wasn’t conclusively proven.
Park and Bartkus shared a bond over their affiliation to the anti-natalist movement, a fringe belief dissuading childbirth and population expansion. This ideology influenced Bartkus’ decision to target the fertility clinic, a facility supporting reproductive services.
Bartkus reportedly confessed responsibility for the attack via a website featuring audio messages. In these recordings, he expressed views aligning IVF with pro-life ideology, which he antagonized.
While investigators have yet to confirm whether Bartkus intended to end his own life in the attack, it appears Park has supported similar views for years. In fact, Park’s presence in anti-natalist online communities stretches back almost a decade, during which he actively discussed recruiting others.
Court documents reveal that Park has been described by relatives as making life-averse declarations since his teenage years. He recently attempted to engage more individuals in anti-natalist activities in Washington.
The ongoing investigation continues to unravel the deep interactions and beliefs shared by Bartkus and Park, revealing their shared radicalism’s role in orchestrating an attack that left lasting scars on the Palm Springs community.