Former Employee Dies After Crashing Explosive-Laden Car Into Portland Athletic Club

Key facts

• The crash occurred at the Multnomah Athletic Club at 1849 SW Salmon Street shortly before 3 a.m. on Saturday.
• The driver, Bruce Whitman, 49, was killed and his body burned beyond recognition.
• Evidence of an explosive device, believed to include propane tanks and pipe bombs, was found in the car.
• Whitman had been a former employee; the club sent letters to members in June 2022 warning about his behavior.
• Whitman had been detained by Portland police and placed on a psychiatric hold after verbal threats escalated.
• The club, founded in 1891, is the largest private athletic and social club in the US with over 21,000 members.
• Another car crashed into the building on April 8, injuring a security guard, but police say it is unrelated.

Deadly Crash and Explosives Discovery

A car carrying explosives crashed into the front entrance of the Multnomah Athletic Club in downtown Portland early Saturday morning, killing the driver. Police and fire crews responded to the scene at 1849 Southwest Salmon Street shortly before 3 a.m. after the vehicle plowed through the entrance and burst into flames. Once the fire was extinguished, a body was found inside the vehicle. Investigators from the Portland Police Bureau and the Portland Fire & Rescue discovered evidence of an explosive device in the car. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives also dispatched special agents to assist. Police Chief Bob Day stated at a press conference Saturday afternoon that there is no evidence to suggest the incident was an act of domestic terrorism and that it appears to be an isolated event.

Driver Identified as Former Employee Bruce Whitman

A law enforcement source close to the investigation identified the driver as 49-year-old Bruce Whitman, a former employee of the club. Police said his body was burned beyond recognition, but they were able to tie the rental car used in the attack to Whitman. According to sources cited by local media, Whitman was allegedly disgruntled and had mental health issues. He rented a car on Friday, which he used to drive into the building and around the first floor before setting off explosive devices believed to be a mix of propane tanks and pipe bombs. The club had previously warned members about Whitman. Letters sent to members in June 2022 described how Whitman approached members in public and at their homes, verbally accosting at least five members at their doorsteps. Members were encouraged to file restraining or no-stalking orders.

Whitman's Prior Encounters with Police and Psychiatric Hold

The club stated that after Whitman’s verbal threats escalated, he was detained by Portland police and placed on a psychiatric hold. It is unclear how long he remained in custody or when he was released. Police executed a search warrant at Whitman's house on Saturday evening but have not disclosed what they were looking for. No other incidents involving Whitman and the club or its members have been reported prior to the crash. The club's first floor, which was damaged in the crash, housed a casual restaurant, formal event spaces, a members' lounge overlooking Providence Park, a retail store, and the front desk. Other amenities include workout rooms, pools, a rock-climbing wall, an indoor track, various sport courts, and three other restaurants.

Club Closure and Investigation Underway

In a notice to members on Saturday, club management announced that the club would be closed until further notice, expecting a “prolonged closure” with no immediate timetable for reopening. A statement on the club’s website asked members and neighbors to avoid the area until the investigation is complete. Club spokesperson Adam Linnman said the crash occurred when the club was closed and that no club members or staff were injured. He deferred to local and federal authorities for additional details. The Multnomah Athletic Club, founded in 1891, bills itself as the largest private athletic and social club in the United States, with more than 21,000 members.

Unrelated April Crash Raises Questions

Another car crashed into the building on April 8, injuring a security guard. At the time, police said there was no evidence of impairment or criminal activity. Chief Bob Day stated that there is no reason to believe the two events are related. The investigation into Saturday's crash is ongoing. Authorities have not released details about the exact nature of the explosives or the motive behind the attack. The Portland Police Bureau continues to gather evidence and interview witnesses.

The bottom line

• Bruce Whitman, a former employee with a history of threats, died after crashing an explosive-laden car into the Multnomah Athletic Club.
• The club had warned members about Whitman in 2022 after he accosted them and was placed on a psychiatric hold.
• Investigators found evidence of explosive devices, including propane tanks and pipe bombs, in the rental car.
• The club remains closed indefinitely as the investigation continues, with no injuries to members or staff.
• Police have ruled out domestic terrorism and say the incident appears isolated, though a motive has not been established.
• An earlier crash on April 8 that injured a security guard is considered unrelated.