And they have now come to one important conclusion: “Make no mistake: this was an intentional act of terrorism”— FBI Assistant Director Los Angeles Akil Davis.

The FBI is investigating it as such, our joint terrorism task force is here working in lockstep with the Palm Springs Police Department, the ATF, and a whole host of agencies that I’ve already mentioned.

He encouraged anyone with any tips or information—or with debris from the explosion on their lawn—to immediately get in touch with the FBI.

The agency immediately responded with six agents, Davis said. He continued:

This explosion was significant, covering several blocks… roads are closed as there are wide debris fields over 250 yards. The FBI’s evidence response team is on scene right now processing evidence. And we’ll be here for a significant amount of time.

Our bomb technicians are working… to determine the origin of the blast.

We are working to confirm the identity of the deceased, and we will provide that to you as soon as we can, but we are keeping that close hold to protect the integrity of the investigation.

“Make no mistake. This is an intentional act of terrorism.”

Akil Davis, Assistant Director of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office, provided an update during a press conference on the ongoing investigation into the Palm Springs car explosion that left one person dead and five… pic.twitter.com/vv3euhwho5

— MSNBC (@MSNBC) May 18, 2025

Davis also noted that they do have a “person of interest” in mind:

Akil Davis, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office, confirmed that there is “a person of interest” in the ongoing investigation into the Palm Springs car explosion. However, officials are “not actively out searching for a suspect” at this time. This is… pic.twitter.com/k8UGjgq4I1

— MSNBC (@MSNBC) May 18, 2025