SouthernWorldwide.com – A vehicle carrying explosives crashed into the Multnomah Athletic Club in downtown Portland, Oregon, early Saturday morning, resulting in significant damage to the building and the death of the driver. Authorities stated that the incident is believed to be isolated and not linked to domestic terrorism.
Portland Fire and Rescue responded to the scene shortly before 3 a.m. after a report of a vehicle driving into the club’s front entrance. The vehicle caught fire following the collision.
After the fire was extinguished, law enforcement discovered the deceased driver inside the vehicle. A spokesperson for the club confirmed that no employees or members were injured during the incident.
Portland Police Chief Bob Day indicated that the investigation pointed towards the driver acting alone. Further details emerged on Monday when Portland police identified the suspect as 49-year-old Bruce V. Whitman of Portland. His family has been notified, and the medical examiner will determine the official cause and manner of death.
Police reported that Whitman had prior interactions with the PPB Behavioral Health Unit. He was first referred in 2021 due to concerning behavior and possession of a firearm, leading to the confiscation of at least one weapon.
In February 2022, Whitman was placed on a mental health hold but was later released. Over the years, he had also been observed protesting outside the Multnomah Athletic Club, though the motives behind these protests were not disclosed by the police.
Sgt. Josh Silverman of the Behavioral Health Unit noted that Whitman did not consistently engage with the offered mental health services. Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez commented on the tragedy, stating that Whitman was a victim of untreated mental illness, emphasizing the need for sustained treatment resources beyond just weapon seizure powers.
During an initial search of the vehicle and the club, investigators discovered several incendiary and improvised explosive devices, some of which had partially detonated, along with propane tanks. By Monday, authorities confirmed the presence of 20 propane tanks and approximately 10 improvised explosive devices, none of which had detonated.
Robots were utilized to safely recover and detonate some of the remaining explosive devices. Sgt. Jim Defrain of the Portland Police had previously stated that the partially detonated devices caused significant damage to the area.
A search warrant was executed at Whitman’s residence on Saturday. His family and roommates were cooperative, and while no firearms were found, receipts for components used to build the explosive devices were recovered.
Prior to the crash, employees at the athletic club reported observing the suspect vehicle circling the building slowly. Detectives believe the driver intentionally drove into the building with the intention of deploying explosive devices.
The Multnomah Athletic Club announced that the facility will remain closed for an extended period. The club is fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation led by the Portland Police Bureau and Portland Fire & Rescue.
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The FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are providing assistance to the Portland Police Department in their investigation.
