Oregon Insurance CEO’s Home Targeted in Shooting, Suspect At Large
A manhunt is underway following a shooting at the residence of an Oregon insurance executive last month. Police are investigating the incident as a targeted attack.
The home of Chip Terhune, the president and CEO of the State Accident Insurance Fund Corporation (SAIF), was struck by gunfire in the early morning hours of February 21st. The shooting occurred in Lake Oswego, a city near Portland, according to law enforcement.
Security footage captured a suspect near the property. The individual was described as wearing dark clothing and possibly a hoodie or ski mask. Officials believe the shooter fled the scene in a vehicle.
Following the attack, Terhune informed SAIF employees via an internal 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,” Terhune wrote. To ensure safety, he advised SAIF employees to exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings.
Law enforcement has not disclosed the specifics of the threatening email but confirmed that the investigation is active. Terhune is cooperating with the authorities and has not made any further public statements about the event.
The attack on Terhune’s residence follows the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York City a few months prior. Thompson was killed outside a Manhattan hotel. The suspect, Luigi Mangione, was apprehended and charged with murder. Before his arrest, Mangione had voiced his frustration with the U.S. healthcare system. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Terhune has led SAIF since July 2021. SAIF, based in Oregon, is a workers’ compensation insurance provider managing approximately $5 billion in capital and employing around 1,200 people. Before joining SAIF Corporation, Terhune served as the senior vice president and general manager for government programs at healthcare technology firm Medecision. He also held the position of chief of staff to former Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski.
SAIF Corporation is a publicly owned, not-for-profit entity. Established to serve Oregon businesses and their employees, SAIF’s objective is to supply accessible workers’ compensation coverage while promoting workplace safety and injury prevention programs. SAIF is an important part of the state’s workers’ compensation system. As the leading provider of workers’ compensation insurance in Oregon, SAIF insures a significant part of the state’s workforce, offering policies to businesses of all sizes. The organization is known for its focus on workplace safety education and resources, helping employers implement best practices to reduce injuries and adhere to state regulations. SAIF operates independently of the state government but is accountable to the public, ensuring that its financial strength and policyholder services meet the needs of Oregon businesses. SAIF continues to be a fundamental player in Oregon’s workers’ compensation landscape, with a mission to mitigate workplace risks and aid injured workers.
Authorities are asking anyone with information about the Lake Oswego shooting to contact local law enforcement. The search for the suspect is ongoing.
