PORTLAND, Ore. (May. 2, 2026) — A driver was found dead early Saturday after a vehicle entered the grounds of the Multnomah Athletic Club in Portland, crashed and caught fire, prompting a large emergency response in which investigators later discovered multiple incendiary devices and improvised explosive devices, authorities said.
Employees at the Multnomah Athletic Club reported at about 2:49 a.m. seeing a vehicle driving slowly around the building before entering the property, according to the Portland Police Bureau. The vehicle continued farther inside the premises and was soon seen engulfed in flames, leading employees to call 911.
Portland Fire & Rescue personnel and police officers arrived and found a deceased person inside the vehicle.
Because the incident occurred hours after May Day events and near Providence Park, officials said they activated additional local and federal public safety resources as a precaution to ensure there was no ongoing threat to the community.
After investigators completed a sweep of the surrounding neighborhood and determined the area was secure, the Metropolitan Explosive Disposal Unit shifted its attention to the vehicle and the building’s interior.
During that search, authorities said they found multiple incendiary devices and improvised explosive devices, or IEDs. Some devices had partially detonated, causing significant damage, while others were discovered in varying stages of activation. Propane tanks were among the materials recovered.
Specialized robots were used to assess, recover and detonate remaining hazardous devices, police said.
Based on the preliminary investigation, detectives believe the driver intentionally entered the building with the intent to deploy explosive devices.
“With the best of information we have right now, this was an isolated event and not related to domestic terrorism,” Portland Police Chief Bob Day said during a Saturday afternoon news conference. “Portlanders and the region should be confident in the public safety system we have.”
Day also praised first responders and partner agencies involved in the response.
Police said the investigation remains active. Authorities did not immediately release the identity of the deceased individual pending further investigation and family notification.
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