E. Martin Estrada, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California
A Washington state resident has been apprehended on charges of providing material support to the individual responsible for the Palm Springs fertility clinic bombing, as announced by the Justice Department. Daniel Jongyon Park, 32, was arrested at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York following his arrival from Poland.
Park faces charges of supplying and attempting to supply material support to terrorists. His initial court appearance is scheduled for today in Brooklyn's United States District Court.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi stated, "This defendant is charged with facilitating the horrific attack on a fertility center in California. Bringing chaos and violence to a facility that exists to help women and mothers is a particularly cruel, disgusting crime that strikes at the very heart of our shared humanity." She expressed gratitude towards Polish authorities for their cooperation.
United States Attorney Bill Essayli commented, "This defendant is charged with providing material support to a terrorist by shipping large quantities of explosive precursors to the man whose suicide bombing last month destroyed a fertility clinic in Palm Springs." He emphasized that aiding terrorism will be met with justice.
FBI Director Kash Patel added, "Park allegedly sent large amounts of explosive precursors to the man who drove a car bomb to a fertility clinic in Palm Springs, an attack that potentially could have killed innocent people." Patel also thanked Polish authorities for their assistance.
Akil Davis, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office, remarked on Park's involvement: “Mr. Park’s contribution to the destructive device detonated on May 17 led to today’s charges and we continue to ask the public to come forward with any information.”
According to an affidavit linked with the complaint, Guy Edward Bartkus executed the bombing on May 17 due to his extremist beliefs. Park reportedly shared these views and supplied Bartkus with significant amounts of ammonium nitrate prior to the attack.
Evidence indicates Park visited Bartkus before traveling abroad. Records show they conducted experiments related to bomb-making during his stay at Bartkus's residence. Following these events, Park traveled overseas but was detained and deported back from Poland.
The criminal complaint contains allegations; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. If convicted, Park faces up to 15 years in federal prison.
The FBI’s Inland Empire Joint Terrorism Task Force leads this investigation with help from multiple law enforcement agencies across different regions including international cooperation from Poland.
Assistant United States Attorneys Sarah E. Gerdes and Anna P. Boylan are prosecuting this case alongside Trial Attorney Patrick J. Cashman from the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
