Suspect crashes car into FBI gate in Pittsburgh in what agents call targeted attack
Pittsburgh, PA – A man is in custody after ramming a car into a security gate at the FBI’s Pittsburgh Field Office early Wednesday morning, then tossing an American flag over the barrier before walking away, authorities said.
The crash occurred around 2:40 a.m. at the federal facility. FBI officials said the vehicle struck the secure perimeter gate, prompting a large-scale emergency response including bomb squad personnel. No explosives were found on scene.
The suspect was taken into custody shortly after 10 a.m., according to FBI spokesperson Bradford Arick. His identity has not yet been released.
Assistant Special Agent in Charge Christopher Giordano described the incident as a deliberate act, stating it was being treated as a targeted attack on the FBI. No injuries were reported in the incident.
The suspect was reportedly known to the FBI and had previously served in the U.S. military. Agents also noted that the car used in the crash appeared to display some sort of message written on a window, but did not disclose further details.
The American flag found in the back seat was removed and thrown over the gate by the suspect before he walked away from the scene. Federal investigators have not yet determined a motive.
The FBI says the investigation remains active and is being handled under federal statutes. Officials have not ruled out any charges.
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Key Points
- A man crashed a car into the FBI Pittsburgh Field Office gate early Wednesday
- The suspect, a former military member, threw a flag over the gate before fleeing
- No explosives were found and no injuries were reported; the suspect is in custody