A 48-year-old man, Bruce Valentine Whitman, drove a vehicle loaded with explosives into the Multnomah Athletic Club (MAC) in Portland, confirmed by his family. Whitman, a former bartender with a history of mental illness stemming from a severe brain injury, had harbored resentment toward the club since his firing over a decade ago. His family described his struggles with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, which worsened after a motorcycle accident. Despite seeking help, including a recent hospitalization after a suicide attempt, concerns about his mental health were raised by neighbors prior to the incident.
The attack occurred early Saturday, causing damage to the club but no injuries to others; Whitman died when his vehicle exploded. Neighbors shared troubling accounts of his behavior, which became increasingly paranoid and aggressive. The MAC will remain closed for repairs, with staff aiming to ensure safety before reopening. Authorities, including local police and federal agencies, are investigating the complex scene, which involved multiple explosives. Despite the chaos, police clarified that the attack is not being treated as a terrorist act.
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