‘Targeted attack:’ Man accused of ramming car into Pittsburgh FBI building gate taken into custody

PITTSBURGH — A man is in custody, accused of intentionally crashing into the Pittsburgh FBI building gate on Wednesday morning.

Officials said Donald Henson, of Penn Hills, rammed the vehicle into the gate at around 2:40 a.m. before leaving the scene on foot.

A message with expletives written in red on the driver’s side door of the vehicle.

Police said Henson then exited the vehicle, retrieved an American flag and placed it on the damaged gate.

Investigators say he also stated “sic semper tyrannis” after the crash. That is a Latin phrase meaning, “thus always to tyrants.” The phrase was infamously shouted by John Wilkes Booth after assassinating President Abraham Lincoln.

FBI officials did not believe Henson was armed, but said he has a history of mental health issues, and they are considering him “dangerous.” They also said he is ex-military.

According to court documents, Henson told police he was trying to “make a statement” after he was arrested. They said he also admitted to knowing that there was someone in the security booth when crashing ino tthe gate.

“We look at this as an act of terror against the FBI. This was a targeted attack on this building. Thankfully, nobody was hurt,” said Christopher Giordano, assistant special agent in charge for FBI Pittsburgh.

A spokesperson for the FBI Pittsburgh said that Donald Henson had been taken into custody before 10:25 a.m.

“The FBI would like to thank our local, state, and federal law enforcement and community partners for their assistance,” the spokesperson said.

Giordano said the FBI is currently scanning his social media to learn more about him.

“Today, we commend the Federal Bureau of Investigation and our law enforcement partners for their outstanding work in quickly apprehending Donald Henson following his violent and destructive assault this morning,” said Acting United States Attorney Rivetti. “Our office remains vigilant and stands in solidarity with our law enforcement colleagues in response to any attack—whether to their persons or to their property.”

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