A driver believed to have deliberately crashed a vehicle filled with improvised explosive devices into a historical social club in Portland, Oregon, died Saturday morning, leading to a large response from both local and federal law enforcement.
Portland officials reported at a press conference that shortly before 2:50 a.m., an employee of the Multnomah Athletic Club noticed a car slowly moving through the building, ultimately crashing through a window and into the facility.
The vehicle quickly caught fire, and first responders later confirmed that a deceased individual was inside.
Jim Defrain, head of the Portland Police Bureau’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, revealed that multiple incendiary devices and improvised explosives were found in the vehicle, along with a propane tank.
Some of the devices had “low-order explosions,” indicating they had not fully detonated, leaving behind live explosives scattered around the area.
For over 14 hours, bomb disposal teams utilized robots to carefully extract each explosive device. DeFran remarked, “This is a dirty, dangerous, and complicated job. I’ve been a blast technician here for more than 13 years, and this is the most complex scene I’ve encountered.”
Authorities noted the car appeared to be driven towards the club’s restaurant area, which is situated near the building’s gas line. First responders promptly cut off the gas. Thankfully, although many devices were designed to detonate, several malfunctioned, preventing a disaster.
The scene remains hazardous, delaying the coroner’s access to the vehicle and the identification of the deceased driver.
An FBI spokesperson indicated that they are collaborating with the PPB for a joint investigation, stating, “It’s too early to determine a motive. While we cannot provide details at this point, there is no ongoing threat to the public.” They also noted that the incident occurred soon after the May Day protests in Portland but added it is currently seen as an “isolated incident” with no direct ties to domestic terrorism.
Portland Mayor Keith Wilson expressed his sadness for those affected, commenting, “We always seek opportunities to help individuals, and examining this person’s history might provide insights to improve Portland’s future.” The 135-year-old club announced via social media that it would remain closed indefinitely, prioritizing the safety of its members.
In a recent incident, another vehicle crashed into the club on April 8, injuring a security guard, but it’s unclear if these incidents are connected.
Further inquiries to the PPB and the Portland FBI have not yet received a reply.
This story is still developing. Please stay tuned for updates.
