An explosion that rocked downtown Palm Springs Saturday morning was an “intentional act of terrorism” that has left one person dead and at least four people injured, FBI Akil Davis, assistant director of the Los Angeles FBI field office, said Saturday evening.
Davis said this is "one of the largest bombing investigations we've had in Southern California," comparing it to the scale of the Aliso Viejo bombing in Orange County in 2018. He said, "We have a person of interest in this investigation, but we are not actively out searching for a suspect."
Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills said it appears to be "an isolated incident," and "I am confident that the community is not at risk any longer."
"I’m really saddened by today’s attack on our city, but I’m also hopeful because this city will rise and this city has resilience," he said. "Terrorism came knocking on the door of Palm Springs. We survived. I can tell you that this city will rise and be more effective as a beacon of hope than before."
The percussive boom was heard and felt across Palm Springs at 10:52 a.m. and was initially reported to be a car explosion near the American Reproductive Centers clinic on North Indian Canyon Drive at East Tachevah Drive. Police declined to comment on whether the explosion was caused by a bomb.
While several buildings were damaged, some severely, the fertility clinic reported on social media that all staff are safe, and no eggs or embryos were damaged.
"This is a building where hope lives, and we’re confident it will continue long after," Mayor Pro Tem Naomi Soto said about the fertility clinic during an evening news conference.
Mills said the identity of the person will not be released immediately to preserve the integrity of the investigation. Four people were injured.
The FBI's Los Angeles office confirmed on social media that the federal agency is on the scene with "investigators, bomb technicians & an evidence response team." Mills said the department is working with officers on the scene to determine who will take the investigative lead.
Palm Springs advised residents to stay away from the area so that emergency crews can work on the incident. Mills asked that if residents find potential evidence, "please leave it in place and call the non-emergency phone number."
This is a developing story and will be updated.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.