Portland MAC bombing tied to long-running mental health struggles, family says

In Portland, Bruce Whitman drove an explosives-laden car into the Multnomah Athletic Club’s ground floor early Saturday, killing himself and causing no other injuries; investigators describe it as an isolated incident. His mother and relatives say Whitman had a long history of mental health challenges, including bipolar disorder and possible schizophrenia, with prior hospitalizations and a February suicide attempt. Neighbors and police had raised concerns about him for years, and he reportedly harbored a grudge against MAC staff. Police noted the blast could have been far larger if all explosives had detonated. The piece also references a manifesto and Whitman’s past behavior, and provides mental health resources for those in need.