"He voluntarily turned himself in to the FBI this morning and appears to be suffering from an unknown mental illness," an FBI Pittsburgh spokesperson said in a statement.
A bomb squad was called, and FBI agents worked with Pittsburgh police on the investigation into the incident, which was reported shortly before 5 a.m. Thursday.
The car, which was parked in front of a gate to an entrance behind the building, had writing on the driver’s side. It said: “Russia plants micro radio devices in ppls ears and controls them using a sound similar to a dog whistle. Subliminal hypnosis.”
THE MESSAGE ON THE CAR: “RUSSIA PLANTS MICRORADIO DEVICES IN PPLS EARS & CONTROLS THEM USING A SOUND SIMILAR TO A DOG WHISTLE. SUBLIMINAL HYPNOSIS.”
— Mike Holden (@WPXIMikeHolden) October 31, 2019
My photographer @pishotti captured this shot of the side of the car at the FBI gate. @WPXI pic.twitter.com/fedQMn5JCb
Investigators and a K-9 first searched around the car. Once the bomb squad arrived at the scene, a robot was used to inspect the car.
After the bomb squad cleared the car, it was towed from the scene for evidence.
RIGHT NOW: LOOK CLOSELY. Robot is inspecting the car. @WPXI pic.twitter.com/4m6tTAjDhA
— Mike Holden (@WPXIMikeHolden) October 31, 2019
Bomb squad still on scene of FBI HQ in #Pittsburgh Southside for suspicious car. Person in protective suit with robot nearby inspecting this orange car outside the gate. Stay with me. @WPXI pic.twitter.com/NDgRm9VheL
— Mike Holden (@WPXIMikeHolden) October 31, 2019
Channel 11 News confirmed the driver was seen on surveillance parking the brightly colored vehicle before walking away toward East Carson Street.
East Carson Street remained open throughout the investigation.
FBI officials said out of an abundance of caution, the nearby Steelers’ UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Propel Schools Administrative Offices and Center for Victims were notified of the situation.
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