Donald Phillip Henson, a 46-year-old resident of Penn Hills, Pennsylvania, has been charged by federal authorities after driving his vehicle into a security gate at the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Pittsburgh Field Office. Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced that Henson faces charges including forcibly assaulting or impeding a government officer and damaging government property.
“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.”
According to an affidavit supporting the complaint, the incident occurred at 2:40 a.m. on September 17, 2025. Henson allegedly drove his vehicle into a security gate next to a manned booth outside the FBI’s Pittsburgh facility. After crashing into the gate, he retrieved an American flag from his car and placed it on the damaged gate before leaving the scene. Security cameras from both the FBI and nearby businesses recorded the event.
Law enforcement apprehended Henson shortly after. He reportedly admitted knowing there was a guard present at the time of the crash and stated that he rammed the gate to “make a statement.” He also used the phrase “sic semper tyrannis,” historically associated with John Wilkes Booth.
The penalties for assaulting or impeding a governmental officer under Title 18, United States Code, Section 111(a)(1) and (b), can include up to 20 years in prison and fines up to $250,000. Damaging government property under Title 18, United States Code, Section 1361 carries penalties based on damage value; if damages exceed $1,000, sentences can reach up to ten years imprisonment and similar fines. Sentencing will depend on offense severity and any prior criminal history.
Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Vasquez Schmitt is prosecuting this case. The investigation was conducted by the FBI with assistance from University of Pittsburgh Police and Pittsburgh Bureau of Police.
A criminal complaint is only an accusation; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
