A Penn Hills man launched a brazen terrorist attack on the FBI’s Pittsburgh field office, ramming his car into the security gate before fleeing into the night—raising serious questions about federal security and the agency’s failure to act on prior warning signs.
FBI Labels Early Morning Attack as Terrorism
Donald Henson of Penn Hills executed a calculated assault on the FBI’s Pittsburgh field office during the early morning hours of September 17, 2025. The suspect drove his vehicle directly into the facility’s security gate at 2:40 a.m., exited the car, and deliberately threw an American flag over the gate before fleeing on foot. Assistant Special Agent in Charge Christopher Giordano confirmed that no FBI personnel sustained injuries during the attack, but emphasized the deliberate nature of the incident.
Previous Warning Signs Ignored by Federal Agents
The FBI’s handling of Henson reveals troubling gaps in threat assessment protocols. Agency officials admitted they were already familiar with the suspect, who had visited the Pittsburgh field office weeks prior to lodge what they dismissed as an “incoherent complaint.” This prior contact should have raised red flags about Henson’s potential for escalation, yet no preventive measures appear to have been implemented. The failure to take seriously citizens’ grievances—regardless of their coherence—demonstrates the disconnect between federal agencies and the communities they serve.
Symbolic Gesture Suggests Deeper Political Motivations
The deliberate placement of an American flag at the scene indicates Henson’s actions carried symbolic meaning beyond simple criminal behavior. This gesture, combined with the targeted nature of the attack, suggests underlying frustrations with federal law enforcement that many Americans share. While violence is never acceptable, the incident highlights growing tensions between citizens and federal agencies that have become increasingly politicized and disconnected from constitutional principles. The FBI’s quick labeling of the event as terrorism may reflect their sensitivity to criticism rather than genuine security concerns.
Manhunt Continues as Security Questions Mount
Federal authorities have deployed bomb squad units and expanded their investigation while Henson remains at large. The incident has prompted increased security measures at FBI facilities throughout the region, raising questions about the adequacy of existing protocols. Local law enforcement agencies are assisting in the search, though the FBI maintains primary jurisdiction over the case. This attack underscores the vulnerability of federal installations and the need for comprehensive security reviews that balance public access with personnel safety.
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Driver rams car into FBI building gate in Pittsburgh and leaves behind an American flag
Man Donald Henson sought after ramming FBI Pittsburgh gate in act of terror