Pentagon Force Protection Officer, Iraq War Veteran , George Gonzalez, stabbed to death
At approximately 10:40 a.m. on Tuesday, August 3, an individual exited a bus at the Pentagon Transit Center in Arlington, VA, and immediately, without provocation, attacked @PFPAOfficial (PFPA) Officer George Gonzalez with a knife, severely wounding him.
As a Pentagon Police officer, he took our mission of “protecting those who protect our nation” to heart. He was promoted twice and attained the rank of Senior Officer in 2020. A gregarious officer, he was well-liked and respected by his fellow officers.
As a military and police veteran, Officer Gonzalez had served previously with the Federal Bureau of Prisons, the Transportation Security Administration, and United States Army. He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for his service in Iraq.
The killer Austin William Lanz, was a convicted felon arrested in April for assault. According to authorities, during a struggle with Officer Gonzales, Lanz shot himself with the officer’s service weapon. Responding officers rushed over to Lanz, who died at the scene.
When deputies tried to book Lanz at the Georgia county jail earlier this year, he allegedly attacked a deputy “without warning” dislocating his thumb and damaging his taser beyond repair, according to a criminal warrant. He then attacked another deputy, chipping a bone in her knee and tearing her ACL, the document stated. He “had to be restrained by multiple deputies.”
Pentagon Force Protection tweeted: On behalf of the George Gonzalez/Rubert family: “We are heartbroken over the death of our son and brother, but we are so very very proud of the life he lived. George devoted his life to serving his country; first in the military, and then, as a law enforcement officer, he continued to serve by protecting service members and citizens of this country. He had an infectious personality and was fiercely loved by his family and friends. He loved his country, his family, and the Yankees. He was one of the good guys with a big heart, and we will miss him always. We ask that you respect our privacy as we deal with the tragic and sudden loss.” The George Gonzalez/Rubert family.
Earlier, the Pentagon Force Protection Agency announced:
The Pentagon currently is on lock down due to an incident at the Pentagon Transit Center. We are asking the public to please avoid the area. More information will be forthcoming. The scene of the incident is secure. It is still an active crime scene. We request that everyone stay away from the Metro rail entrance and bus platform area. Transportation at the Pentagon is diverted to Pentagon City.
Pentagon Force Protection Agency Chief of Pentagon Police Woodrow Kusse: “This morning at about 10:37am a Pentagon police officer was attacked on the metro bus platform. Gunfire was exchanged and there were several casualties. The incident is over. He refused to disclose further information, but Senator Warner confirmed the death of an officer
Shortly after the Pentagon lifted the lock down and reopened. Corridor 2 and the Metro entrance remains closed. Corridor 3 is open for pedestrian traffic.