A former employee of an exclusive private club in Oregon drove a vehicle loaded with explosives into the facility early Saturday morning, causing massive damage before dying in the wreckage.
The suspect, identified as Bruce Whitman, crashed a rented black Nissan Rogue into the ground floor of the Multnomah Athletic Club in Portland at approximately 3 a.m. Whitman previously worked as a bartender at the facility, according to his LinkedIn profile. One law enforcement source said Whitman drove through the lobby and past a set of turnstiles before detonating devices, including pipe bombs and propane tanks.
Sgt. Jim DeFrain, head of the Metro Explosive Disposal Unit, said some devices detonated while others failed. “This is by far the most complex scene I have ever done,” he said. The driver died in the resulting fire, but no club members or staff were injured.
General manager Charles Leverton said damage was significant but contained. Law enforcement sources said the ground floor was “completely destroyed,” with damage estimates reaching millions of dollars. The club, serving more than 21,000 members, remained closed until further notice.
Police Chief Bob Day said there were no further threats. Federal agencies are assisting. A search warrant was executed at a residence associated with Whitman. Court filings describe a years-long fixation with the club, including threats to burn it down. Whitman was twice subject to “red flag” protection orders, including one after he reportedly shot himself in the head.
