A vehicle was driven into the back entrance gate of the FBI’s Pittsburgh field office in the early hours of Wednesday in what agency officials described as “an act of terror,” and a manhunt was underway for a suspect identified by authorities.
The incident occurred about 2:40 a.m. on the south side of Pittsburgh, FBI officials said. The driver exited the vehicle after it struck the gate, hurled an American flag over the fence and shouted incoherently before walking away, witnesses and law enforcement said. No injuries were reported.
FBI Pittsburgh Assistant Special Agent in Charge Christopher Giordano said the agency is treating the event as a targeted act of terror against the bureau. The car appeared to have profanity-laced messages written on one side window, Giordano said; investigators were examining the vehicle and the markings.
A bomb squad was called to the scene and searched the white Toyota, according to officials and local television reports. Law enforcement identified the person they are seeking as Donald Henson of Penn Hills. The FBI said Henson does not appear to be armed, and that he has a documented history of mental health issues.
Witnesses in the neighborhood described hearing screeching tires and seeing the driver exit the car and move around to the passenger side. One nearby worker told local TV she initially thought the individual had a gun but said it was a flag that was placed on the fence before the man left. Another witness said the suspect walked away “like nothing happened.”
Federal and local law enforcement units remained on scene to secure the facility and collect evidence. The FBI did not identify any specific motive in its initial public remarks. Agents said the facility was not occupied at the area struck by the vehicle and that there were no reported injuries to staff or members of the public.
Officials urged anyone with information about Henson’s whereabouts to contact law enforcement. The investigation is being led by the FBI with assistance from local police, and it will examine whether any additional charges beyond property damage and trespassing are warranted.
The incident comes amid heightened attention to threats against federal law enforcement facilities, and FBI field offices frequently coordinate with local authorities when crimes target bureau property or personnel. The bureau and its field offices did not immediately provide additional comment beyond the statement that the attack was being treated as an act of terror and that investigators were pursuing leads.
The investigation is ongoing. Authorities have not released further identifying information about Henson or indicated whether he has prior criminal convictions. Anyone with relevant information was asked to contact the FBI’s Pittsburgh field office or local law enforcement through established tip lines.