Attacks on police

FBI Arrests Man Who Allegedly Rammed Car Into Pittsburgh Office Gate

Published SEP 18 2025

Story

Above: The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) flag flying outside its headquarters in Washington, D.C. Image credit: Al Drago/Bloomberg/Getty Images

The Facts

Donald Henson, 46, of Penn Hills, Pennsylvania, allegedly drove a white Toyota Corolla into the entrance gate of the FBI Pittsburgh field office at approximately 2:40 a.m. on Wednesday before exiting the vehicle and throwing an American flag over the damaged gate.
Pittsburgh Post
Straight Arrow News
X
FBI officials — calling it "an act of terror" — apprehended Henson several hours after the incident and charged him with assault with a deadly weapon and damaging government property, with potential sentences of up to 20 years and 10 years, respectively, if convicted.
ABC News
The Associated Press
FOX 13 Tampa Bay
According to an affidavit, Henson told FBI agents he knew a security guard was in the booth when he rammed the gate and that he did it to "make a statement," later invoking the Latin phrase "sic semper tyrannis," which translates to "thus always to tyrants."
Pittsburgh Post
The Associated Press
The security officer is said to have initially thought Henson was experiencing a medical emergency but remained in the booth when Henson returned to retrieve the flag, reportedly fearing he might be obtaining a weapon from the vehicle.
Shai Akabas
Pittsburgh Post
Henson had visited the FBI Pittsburgh field office a few weeks prior to make a complaint that officials described as not making sense, and agents informed him no federal charges would result from his complaint.
New York Post
ABC News
FBI officials identified Henson as a former military member with a history of mental health issues. Court records show he filed for bankruptcy in 2024 citing $380,000 in student loan debt and minimal income.
Straight Arrow News
The Associated Press

Sources Split

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The Spin

Narrative A

Questions linger over why Donald Henson allegedly targeted the FBI’s Pittsburgh office. A former service member reportedly struggling with mental health issues and debt, he rammed the gate, draped an American flag over it and left cryptic messages on his car. Invoking “sic semper tyrannis,” his actions turned a chaotic, late-night outburst into what authorities describe as a targeted act of terror.

Times Now

The Times of India

Narrative B

Henson appears less a calculated terrorist than a veteran in crisis. Witnesses described him as disoriented and incoherent, walking away from the FBI gate as if nothing had happened. His military service, financial struggles and mental health challenges point to systemic failures rather than deliberate malice, raising questions about support for veterans, security and how authorities label such incidents.

Azat TV