California IVF clinic bombing suspect called for ‘war against pro-lifers,’ had anti-natalist worldview
The suspect died in the explosion, and at least four people were injured in the attack.
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The suspect died in the explosion, and at least four people were injured in the attack.
Authorities have identified the suspect believed to be behind Saturday's bombing of a reproductive clinic in Palm Springs, California, as 25-year-old Guy Edward Bartkus. Bartkus is a resident of Twentynine Palms, located about an hour from the city, and posted writings and recordings in which he expresses an antinatalist worldview.
The FBI responded Saturday to a significant explosion near an in-vitro fertilization (IVF) facility, which specializes in fertility treatments, calling it an “intentional act of terrorism.” Despite damage to the building, the clinic's director reported that both staff and stored embryos survived the incident.
CBS News reported that the suspect has been identified as Bartkus and that the device was a "large, vehicle-borne, improvised explosive device." Federal authorities have since searched Bartkus’ home as part of the investigation.
Bartkus is allegedly the creator of a website titled "promortalism.com," which presents a detailed statement of his beliefs. Pro-mortalism is a philosophy related to antinatalism, advocating the idea that death has positive value and that bringing people into existence is morally wrong. The site offers a downloadable video of the bombing and a series of explanations justifying the act.
The manifesto states that existence causes suffering and argues for a “peaceful” death to prevent future harm, like a “disease or accident.” One section of the site expresses an extreme anti-natalist worldview, stating, “The end goal is for the truth (Efilism) to win, and once it does, we can finally begin the process of sterilizing this planet of the disease of life.”
“Life can only continue as long as people hold the delusional belief that it is not a zero sum game causing senseless torture, and messes it can never, or only partially, clean up. I think we need a war against pro-lifers,” it continued.
The website also addresses religious criticism by dismissing the belief in God. “I just wanted to say, your god definitely doesn't exist, but if he did, I'd choose satan over your evil god. Did you ever think that maybe the bible is just slander against satan, and that satan just realized what a f***ing creep your god is?”
The suspect died in the explosion, and at least four people were injured in the attack, according to the Associated Press.
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