A Century of Car Bombings in the United States: Trends, Motives, and Lessons from the Palm Springs IVF Attack

Car bombings have been a persistent, albeit infrequent, form of terrorism in the United States over the past century. From early 20th-century anarchist attacks to modern incidents driven by diverse ideologies, these acts have left indelible marks on the nation's history. The recent 2025 bombing of a fertility clinic in Palm Springs, California, underscores the evolving nature of such threats. This article examines the historical trajectory of car bombings in the U.S., analyzing patterns by decade, geography, perpetrator motives, and casualties, culminating in recommendations to safeguard potential targets.

The 2025 Palm Springs IVF Clinic Bombing

On May 17, 2025, a car bomb detonated outside the American Reproductive Centers in Palm Springs, California, resulting in the death of the perpetrator, 25-year-old Guy Edward Bartkus, and injuring four others. The FBI classified the incident as an act of terrorism. Bartkus, a former military member, harbored anti-natalist beliefs, opposing procreation and asserting that bringing children into the world is morally wrong. He attempted to livestream the attack, though unsuccessfully. Investigators found nihilistic writings attributed to him, suggesting extreme anti-natalist views. Despite the severe damage to the IVF clinic, all embryos were saved.

Historical Overview: Car Bombings in the U.S. by Decade

Car bombings in the United States have varied in frequency and impact over the decades. While comprehensive decade-by-decade statistics are limited, notable incidents include:

• 1920s: The Wall Street bombing in 1920, which killed 38 people and injured hundreds, remains one of the earliest and deadliest car bombings in U.S. history.

• 1995: The Oklahoma City bombing, the deadliest act of domestic terrorism in U.S. history, resulted in 168 deaths.

• 2010: The attempted Times Square car bombing, which was foiled before detonation.

Data from federal reports indicate fluctuations in bombing incidents over the years. For instance, in 2019, there were 251 bombing incidents reported, a decrease from previous years.

Geographic Distribution

Historically, urban centers like New York City, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., have been more frequently targeted due to their symbolic significance and population density. However, incidents have occurred nationwide, affecting both metropolitan and rural areas. The 2025 Palm Springs attack illustrates that even smaller cities are not immune to such threats.

Perpetrator Motives

The motives behind car bombings in the U.S. have evolved over time:

• Political Extremism: The 1995 Oklahoma City bombing was driven by anti-government sentiments.

• Religious Extremism: The 2010 Times Square attempt was linked to Islamist extremism.

• Ideological Beliefs: The 2025 Palm Springs bombing was motivated by anti-natalist ideology, opposing procreation.

These diverse motives highlight the multifaceted nature of domestic terrorism threats.

Casualties and Impact

Car bombings have resulted in varying degrees of casualties:

• High Casualty Events: The Oklahoma City bombing resulted in 168 deaths and over 500 injuries.

• Foiled Attempts: The 2010 Times Square bombing attempt was unsuccessful, preventing potential casualties.

• Recent Incidents: The 2025 Palm Springs bombing resulted in the death of the perpetrator and injuries to four individuals.

While the frequency of such attacks is relatively low, their potential for mass casualties necessitates vigilant prevention and response strategies.

Recommendations for Protecting Vulnerable Facilities

To enhance security and mitigate the risk of vehicle-borne attacks, facilities, especially those related to healthcare and reproductive services, should consider the following measures:

1. Perimeter Barriers: Install robust physical barriers, such as bollards or reinforced fencing, to prevent unauthorized vehicle access.

2. Controlled Access Points: Implement security checkpoints with surveillance systems to monitor and control entry.

3. Standoff Distances: Maintain adequate distance between public roads and critical infrastructure to reduce blast impact.

4. Surveillance Systems: Deploy comprehensive CCTV coverage with real-time monitoring to detect suspicious activities.

5. Employee Training: Conduct regular training sessions for staff on emergency response protocols and threat recognition.

6. Emergency Preparedness Plans: Develop and routinely update emergency response and evacuation plans.

7. Collaboration with Law Enforcement: Establish strong communication channels with local authorities for timely information sharing and support.

8. Public Awareness Campaigns: Educate the community on recognizing and reporting potential threats.

9. Regular Security Audits: Perform periodic assessments to identify and address security vulnerabilities.

10. Cybersecurity Measures: Protect digital infrastructure to prevent unauthorized access to security systems and sensitive information.

Implementing these strategies can significantly reduce the risk of attacks and enhance the safety of both staff and visitors.

Conclusion

The history of car bombings in the United States reveals a persistent, though relatively infrequent, threat that has evolved in motive and method over time. From early 20th-century anarchist attacks to modern ideologically driven incidents, these acts underscore the importance of vigilance and proactive security measures. The 2025 Palm Springs IVF clinic bombing serves as a stark reminder of the diverse motivations behind such attacks and the need for comprehensive strategies to protect vulnerable facilities and communities.

References

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. (2019). United States Bomb Data Center (USBDC) 2019 Explosive Incident Report. https://www.atf.gov/file/143481/download

Federal Bureau of Investigation. (n.d.). Oklahoma City Bombing. https://www.fbi.gov/history/famous-cases/oklahoma-city-bombing

Federal Bureau of Investigation. (n.d.). Wall Street Bombing 1920. https://www.fbi.gov/history/famous-cases/wall-street-bombing-1920

National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism. (2014). Patterns of Terrorism in the United States, 1970-2013. https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/OPSR_TP_TEVUS_Patterns-of-Terrorism-Attacks-in-US_1970-2013-Report_Oct2014-508.pdf

New York Post. (2025, May 19). Palm Springs IVF clinic bomber burned down family home when he was 9, dad reveals. https://nypost.com/2025/05/19/us-news/palm-springs-ivf-clinic-bomber-burned-down-family-home-when-he-was-9-dad/

Associated Press. (2025, May 19). Authorities analyzing nihilistic writings of suspect in California fertility clinic bombing. https://apnews.com/article/432bc3e3e2dd814ca4976232dd95be64

Vanity Fair. (2025, May 18). FBI: Car Bombing Outside California Reproductive Health Care Clinic Was "Terrorism". https://www.vanityfair.com/news/story/fbi-terrorism-car-bombing-california-reproductive-health-care-clinic