Early Saturday morning, a person was found dead after a vehicle plowed into a health club in downtown Portland, Oregon. Police reported that the vehicle crashed through the front entrance of the Multnomah Athletic Club shortly before 3 a.m. and caught fire. After firefighters extinguished the blaze, they discovered a deceased individual inside the vehicle.
Explosives Discovered
Investigators later found evidence of an explosive device in the car, prompting the response of an explosive disposal unit. The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives also sent special agents to the scene.
Former Employee Suspected
According to sources cited by the Oregonian newspaper, the driver was a former employee of the club. The ex-worker, described as disgruntled and dealing with mental health issues, allegedly rented a car on Friday and drove it into the building. He reportedly maneuvered around the first floor before detonating explosive devices, believed to be a mix of propane tanks and pipe bombs.
The first floor of the club housed a casual restaurant, formal event spaces, a members' lounge overlooking Providence Park, a retail store, and the front desk. Other club amenities include workout rooms, pools, a rock-climbing wall, an indoor track, various sport courts, and three additional restaurants.
Club Response
Adam Linnman, a club spokesperson, stated that the crash occurred when the club was closed, and no members or staff were injured. He deferred further details to local and federal authorities. A note on the club's website announced that the facility would remain closed until further notice, urging members and neighbors to avoid the area during the investigation.
The Multnomah Athletic Club, founded in 1891, bills itself as the largest private athletic and social club in the United States, with over 21,000 members.
