The attack, though unsuccessful, delivered a seismic shock to patients who feared for the safety of their embryos. But a firefighter’s risky plan averted disaster.

A 25-year-old man believed to be responsible for an explosion that ripped through a Palm Springs, California, fertility clinic left behind “anti-pro-life” writings before carrying out the attack.

Bartkus has been named as a suspect in the bombing outside a Palm Springs fertility clinic, two law enforcement sources familiar with the investigation told KCAL News. He also allegedly stated in writings and recordings that he was a “pro-mortalist” — or against bringing people into the world against their will, the sources added.