PITTSBURGH (AP) — A man who crashed his car into an FBI security gate in Pittsburgh and covered it in an American flag on Wednesday did so to 'make a statement,' according to the FBI. Donald Phillip Henson, 46, from nearby Penn Hills, was apprehended seven hours after fleeing the scene and reportedly invoked the Latin phrase 'sic semper tyrannis,' meaning 'thus always to tyrants,' while speaking to agents. This phrase is historically linked to John Wilkes Booth after he assassinated President Abraham Lincoln.
Henson faces charges of assault with a deadly weapon and damaging government property. He will remain in custody until a detention hearing scheduled for Tuesday. 'This was a targeted attack on this building,' stated Christopher Giordano, assistant special agent in charge of the FBI in Pittsburgh, noting that no injuries were reported among the personnel.
Details regarding Henson's motive or how he managed to escape initially have not been revealed. The FBI previously had interactions with Henson, who was described as a former military member. Public records identify him as a Republican who participated in the 2024 general election. A representative for Henson has not been publicly identified yet.
Reports indicate that Henson visited the FBI field office weeks prior with a complaint that did not seem coherent. His vehicle, a white sedan, reportedly bore an Air Force sticker and a message on one of its side windows, although specifics were not disclosed.
Investigation teams, including a bomb squad, confirmed the absence of explosives at the scene. Eyewitness accounts noted that the security officer observed Henson's vehicle approaching rapidly and attempted to assess the situation, initially believing the driver might be in medical distress. However, as Henson returned to the car to retrieve the flag, the officer chose to remain inside his booth for safety concerns.
In his bankruptcy filing from last year, Henson disclosed significant financial distress, including $380,000 in student loan debt and an income of only $281 per month. His previous business, Insomnia Solutions, is now defunct.
Henson faces charges of assault with a deadly weapon and damaging government property. He will remain in custody until a detention hearing scheduled for Tuesday. 'This was a targeted attack on this building,' stated Christopher Giordano, assistant special agent in charge of the FBI in Pittsburgh, noting that no injuries were reported among the personnel.
Details regarding Henson's motive or how he managed to escape initially have not been revealed. The FBI previously had interactions with Henson, who was described as a former military member. Public records identify him as a Republican who participated in the 2024 general election. A representative for Henson has not been publicly identified yet.
Reports indicate that Henson visited the FBI field office weeks prior with a complaint that did not seem coherent. His vehicle, a white sedan, reportedly bore an Air Force sticker and a message on one of its side windows, although specifics were not disclosed.
Investigation teams, including a bomb squad, confirmed the absence of explosives at the scene. Eyewitness accounts noted that the security officer observed Henson's vehicle approaching rapidly and attempted to assess the situation, initially believing the driver might be in medical distress. However, as Henson returned to the car to retrieve the flag, the officer chose to remain inside his booth for safety concerns.
In his bankruptcy filing from last year, Henson disclosed significant financial distress, including $380,000 in student loan debt and an income of only $281 per month. His previous business, Insomnia Solutions, is now defunct.
