An Oregon insurance executive’s home was struck by gunfire last week in what authorities are investigating as a targeted attack. The shooter remains at large.
Police in Lake Oswego, a city near Portland, reported that multiple shots were fired at the residence of Chip Terhune, the president and CEO of State Accident Insurance Fund Corporation (SAIF), in the early morning hours of February 21. Security footage captured a suspect near the property, dressed in dark clothing and possibly wearing a hoodie or ski mask. Officials believe the shooter fled in a nearby vehicle.
Following the attack, Terhune revealed in an internal company-wide email that he had received a threatening message from someone claiming responsibility for the shooting. "We have received an email threat purporting to be the person(s) responsible. Although it does not target any specific employee, the email references knowledge of employee and relatives' names and addresses," he wrote. He advised SAIF employees to be cautious and remain aware of their surroundings.
Law enforcement officials have not disclosed the exact content of the threatening email but confirmed that an active investigation is underway. Terhune is working with authorities but has not made any further public statements regarding the incident.
The attack on Terhune comes just months after the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York City. Thompson was killed outside a Manhattan hotel, and the suspect, Luigi Mangione, was arrested and charged with murder. Before his arrest, Mangione had expressed frustration with the US healthcare system. He has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges.
Terhune has been at the helm of SAIF since July 2021, leading the Oregon-based workers’ compensation insurance provider, which employs approximately 1,200 people and manages $5 billion in capital. Prior to his role at SAIF, he served as senior vice president and general manager for government programs at healthcare technology firm Medecision. He also spent time in public service, holding the position of chief of staff to former Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski.
SAIF Corporation is a publicly owned, not-for-profit workers’ compensation insurance provider based in Oregon. Established to serve Oregon businesses and workers, SAIF focuses on providing affordable workers' compensation coverage while promoting workplace safety and injury prevention programs. SAIF plays a significant role in the state’s workers’ compensation system.
As Oregon’s leading provider of workers’ compensation insurance, SAIF insures a large portion of the state's workforce, offering policies to businesses of all sizes. The organization is also known for its emphasis on workplace safety education and resources, helping employers implement best practices to reduce injuries and maintain compliance with state regulations.
SAIF operates independently of the state government but remains accountable to the public, ensuring that its financial strength and policyholder services align with the needs of Oregon businesses. With a mission centered on reducing workplace risks and supporting injured workers, SAIF continues to be a key player in Oregon’s workers’ compensation landscape.
Authorities are asking anyone with information about the Lake Oswego shooting to contact local law enforcement as the search for the suspect continues.
