PITTSBURGH (AP) — In a dramatic incident on Wednesday, Donald Phillip Henson drove his car into an FBI security gate in Pittsburgh, covering the vehicle with an American flag. The 46-year-old from Penn Hills invoked the phrase sic semper tyrannis—meaning thus always to tyrants—during his arrest. This phrase has historical connotations, as it was allegedly shouted by John Wilkes Booth after assassinating President Abraham Lincoln.
Henson, currently facing charges of assault with a deadly weapon and damage to government property, was captured by authorities seven hours following the incident. Christopher Giordano, assistant special agent in charge of the FBI in Pittsburgh, labeled the act a targeted assault on the FBI facility, emphasizing that there were no injuries involved.
Details surrounding Henson's motives remain unclear; however, he was previously known to the FBI. Giordano described him as a former military member, with public records indicating he is a registered Republican who participated in the 2024 general election. Records also mention an odd complaint he had made at the FBI field office a few weeks prior to the incident.
The vehicle involved, which was a white sedan, reportedly displayed some sort of message on a side window and bore a U.S. Air Force sticker. While a bomb squad was deployed during the investigation, no explosives were found at the scene. Eyewitnesses reported that the security officer initially perceived the crash as a medical emergency but later grew cautious when Henson returned to retrieve the flag.
In financial documents submitted last year, Henson indicated a staggering $380,000 in student loan debt alongside a failed business venture and minimal income, raising questions about his current mental state and motivations.
Henson, currently facing charges of assault with a deadly weapon and damage to government property, was captured by authorities seven hours following the incident. Christopher Giordano, assistant special agent in charge of the FBI in Pittsburgh, labeled the act a targeted assault on the FBI facility, emphasizing that there were no injuries involved.
Details surrounding Henson's motives remain unclear; however, he was previously known to the FBI. Giordano described him as a former military member, with public records indicating he is a registered Republican who participated in the 2024 general election. Records also mention an odd complaint he had made at the FBI field office a few weeks prior to the incident.
The vehicle involved, which was a white sedan, reportedly displayed some sort of message on a side window and bore a U.S. Air Force sticker. While a bomb squad was deployed during the investigation, no explosives were found at the scene. Eyewitnesses reported that the security officer initially perceived the crash as a medical emergency but later grew cautious when Henson returned to retrieve the flag.
In financial documents submitted last year, Henson indicated a staggering $380,000 in student loan debt alongside a failed business venture and minimal income, raising questions about his current mental state and motivations.
