Palm Springs, CA — A powerful explosion rocked a medical building in Palm Springs on Saturday morning, injuring five people and leaving one person—believed to be the suspect—dead.

The blast occurred around 11:00 a.m. near the American Reproductive Centers, a fertility clinic located at 1199 N. Indian Canyon Drive, just north of East Tachevah Drive and near Desert Regional Medical Center.

Law enforcement sources confirmed that five individuals sustained injuries, while one person—thought to be responsible for the explosion—was killed at the scene.

The identity of the deceased has not been publicly released.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) have both responded to the scene and are conducting a joint investigation to determine the cause of the explosion and whether it was intentional.

“This is an active and ongoing investigation,” said Nicole Lozano, spokesperson for the ATF. “Our teams are en route and working with local partners to assess the damage and collect evidence.”

California Governor Gavin Newsom has been briefed on the situation.

One video appears to show a body lying near the blast site, which aligns with police confirmation of a fatality.

A statement from his office noted that the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is actively coordinating with local and federal agencies to support emergency operations on the ground.

Footage from witnesses and bystanders showed thick black smoke billowing from the building, shattered windows across adjacent structures, and debris scattered across the area.

The explosion was reportedly heard and felt up to two miles away, prompting panic and drawing a rapid response from fire and law enforcement agencies.

At a press briefing shortly after noon, Lt. William Hutchinson of the Palm Springs Police Department confirmed that the possibility of terrorism or deliberate criminal intent is “not being ruled out at this time.”

Dr. Maher Abdallah, who operates the American Reproductive Centers facility, told the Associated Press in a phone interview that his staff were unharmed and all accounted for.

He confirmed the explosion severely damaged the office and consultation areas, but the IVF laboratory and all stored embryos remained intact.

“I really have no clue what happened,” Dr. Abdallah said. “Thank God today happened to be a day that we had no patients in the building.”

Authorities have shut down North Indian Canyon Drive between Vista Chino and Alejo Road, urging the public to avoid the area while emergency crews continue to work.

Though some online speculation has pointed to past negative reviews associated with the clinic, investigators have not linked any grievances or prior complaints to Saturday’s explosion.

Federal agents, including bomb technicians and evidence response teams, are expected to remain on site throughout the weekend as they work to determine the origin and motive behind the blast.

A formal press conference is anticipated in the coming hours, where officials are expected to provide additional details on casualties, property damage, and the scope of the investigation.

Residents with surveillance footage or any information relevant to the incident are urged to contact the Palm Springs Police Department.