Donald Phillip Henson, a 46-year-old resident of Penn Hills, Pennsylvania, has been charged by federal authorities with assaulting a government officer and damaging government property. The charges follow an incident early in the morning on September 17, 2025, when Henson drove his vehicle into a security gate outside the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Pittsburgh Field Office and then fled the scene.
Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced the charges and commended law enforcement for their response. “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 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 filed with the complaint, at approximately 2:40 a.m., Henson crashed his vehicle into a security gate next to a manned security booth at the FBI facility. After exiting his vehicle, he retrieved an American flag from the back seat and placed it on the damaged gate before leaving. Security cameras from both the FBI and nearby businesses recorded the incident.
Law enforcement apprehended Henson shortly after. He admitted to knowing there was a guard present during the crash and told agents he rammed the gate to “make a statement.” He also referenced “sic semper tyrannis,” which is associated with John Wilkes Booth after President Abraham Lincoln’s assassination.
The maximum penalties for assaulting or impeding a federal officer are up to 20 years in prison and fines up to $250,000. Damaging government property can result in up to 10 years imprisonment if damages exceed $1,000. Sentencing will depend on factors such as offense severity and prior criminal history.
Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Vasquez Schmitt is prosecuting the case. The investigation involved cooperation between the FBI, University of Pittsburgh Police, and Pittsburgh Bureau of Police.
A criminal complaint is only an accusation; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
