Donald Phillip Henson, a 46-year-old resident of Penn Hills, Pennsylvania, has been charged with assaulting a government officer and damaging federal property after an incident at the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Pittsburgh Field Office. According to Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti, Henson was arrested on the morning of September 17 after driving his vehicle into a security gate near a manned security booth outside the FBI office and fleeing on foot.
“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.”
The affidavit supporting the criminal complaint states that at 2:40 a.m., Henson crashed his car into the security gate next to a staffed booth at the FBI complex. After the collision, he exited his vehicle, retrieved an American flag from the rear door, and placed it on the damaged gate before leaving. The incident was recorded by FBI surveillance cameras as well as cameras from nearby businesses.
After being apprehended by law enforcement officers, Henson admitted he knew there was a guard present in the booth when he rammed the gate. He told agents that he did so to “make a statement” and used the phrase “sic semper tyrannis,” historically associated with John Wilkes Booth following President Abraham Lincoln’s assassination.
Henson faces up to 20 years in prison and fines up to $250,000 if convicted of assaulting or impeding a federal officer under Title 18, United States Code, Section 111(a)(1) and (b). For damaging government property under Title 18, Section 1361—where penalties depend on damage exceeding $1,000—the sentence can be up to 10 years imprisonment and similar fines. Sentencing would take into account both offense severity and prior criminal history.
Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Vasquez Schmitt is leading prosecution efforts. The investigation was conducted by the FBI with assistance from University of Pittsburgh Police and Pittsburgh Bureau of Police.
A criminal complaint is an allegation; all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
