Palm Springs bombing suspect’s dad: ‘He burned the house down’ at 9, built ‘stink bombs’ as teen

The investigation into the bombing outside a fertility clinic in Palm Springs continues to uncover details about the life of the suspected attacker, 25-year-old Guy Edward Bartkus. Authorities have called the attack an act of terrorism, driven by Bartkus’s apparent nihilistic beliefs and supported by an online manifesto he allegedly wrote.

New information from the suspect’s father reveals a troubled past, including a history of incidents involving fire, making explosive devices, and being easily influenced by others, which the BBC found. Richard Bartkus, 75, shared details with investigators about his son’s earlier years, showing a pattern of behavior that, while not directly predicting the bombing, suggests a potentially unstable personality.

According to the NY Times, this was not the only incident involving fire or explosives. Richard Bartkus said that as a teenager, Guy Bartkus showed an interest in making explosive devices, though his father claimed they were mostly harmless. He mentioned his son creating “stink bombs” and “smoke bombs” and experimenting with model rockets. While these activities were not as advanced as the Palm Springs bombing, they suggest a fascination with explosives and possibly a lack of concern for safety.

Palm Springs bombing wasn’t the first time suspect played with fire

Richard Bartkus’ son’s interest in fire started when he was nine years old. In September 2009, Guy Bartkus reportedly set fire to the family home in Yucca Valley, destroying all their belongings. No one was hurt in the fire, but Guy Bartkus was placed on juvenile probation, though his record was later cleared.

Adding to the troubling picture is the fact that Guy Bartkus was required to attend court-ordered therapy in 2016, though the exact reasons are unclear. His father also described him as “impressionable” and a “follower,” meaning he was easily swayed by others, which may have contributed to radicalization. Richard Bartkus recalled an incident where Guy Bartkus was convinced by a friend to vandalize cars at a junkyard, showing a tendency to give in to peer pressure and a weak sense of right and wrong.

This behavior contrasts sharply with Guy Bartkus’s later job helping children with special needs. Richard Bartkus said his son built computers and worked as an assistant to a bus driver who transported special needs children.

The FBI’s investigation has connected Bartkus to an online manifesto that promotes nihilistic ideas and expresses opposition to bringing new life into the world. The manifesto reportedly includes an audio recording of a man claiming he plans to bomb a fertility clinic, which matches the target of the attack.

While authorities are still looking into Bartkus’s online activity, his father’s account of his past behavior helps explain how he may have developed extreme views. Officials described the explosion as the largest bombing scene in Southern California in recent years, with debris spread over several blocks and windows shattered in many buildings.