Photo: FBI
Early Wednesday (September 17), Donald Henson, a resident of Penn Hills, Pennsylvania, allegedly drove a white Toyota sedan into the entrance gate of the FBI's Pittsburgh field office in what authorities have described as an intentional "act of terror." The incident occurred around 2:40 a.m., according to FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Giordano. After crashing the car, Henson reportedly exited the vehicle, retrieved an American flag from inside, and threw it over the gate before fleeing the scene on foot.
FBI officials quickly identified Henson, a former military member, and noted that he may have been experiencing a mental health issue. The FBI considered this a targeted attack and emphasized the seriousness of the federal offense. No injuries were reported among FBI personnel during the incident.
Henson was apprehended hours later, though specific charges have yet to be announced. Authorities are working with the local U.S. Attorney's Office to draft a complaint against him.
Prior to the attack, Henson had visited the Pittsburgh office to make a complaint that was deemed nonsensical and without a federal nexus, according to Giordano. Images from the scene show a white sedan with its door ajar and hazard lights flashing in front of the bent gate. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with the FBI leading the efforts.