Virginia Sate Troopers patrol near the Pentagon after report of an active shooter and lockdown in Washington, DC, on August 3, 2021.
Olivier Douliery | AFP | Getty Images
A Pentagon law enforcement officer passed away after an enemy stabbed him with a knife in an unprovoked attack Tuesday early morning, according to an upgrade from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Washington Field Office.
The officer, recognized as George Gonzales, served with the Pentagon Force Protection Agency given that 2018 and achieved the rank of senior officer in 2020.
Gonzales was a military and cops veteran who had actually served formerly with the Federal Bureau of Prisons, the Transportation Security Administration and United States Army.
He likewise got a Army Commendation Medal for his service in Iraq.
The foe, recognized as Austin Lanz, left a bus at the Pentagon Transit Center around 10: 40 a.m. and right away assaulted Gonzales, according to the FBI upgrade published on Twitter Wednesday.
Lanz mortally injured Gonzales and after that shot himself with the officer’s weapon, according to the FBI. Other officers then engaged Lanz, who passed away at the scene.
Lanz had actually employed in the Marine Corps in October 2012 however was booted out less than a month later on, The Associated Press reported Wednesday.
In April of this year, Lanz was likewise jailed in Georgia on criminal trespassing and robbery charges, and dealt with an extra 6 charges that consist of battery on cops and making a terrorist danger, according to The Associated Press.
At the time of the shooting, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, were at the White House for a conference with President Joe Biden.
Austin revealed his acknowledgements for the death of the officer in a declaration Tuesday, and stated the flags at the Pentagon Reservation would fly at half-mast in honor of his loss.
“This fallen officer died in the line of duty, helping protect the tens of thousands of people who work in — and who visit — the Pentagon on a daily basis,” Austin stated in the declaration.
“He and his fellow officers are members of the Pentagon family, and known to us all as professional, skilled and brave. This tragic death today is a stark reminder of the dangers they face and the sacrifices they make,” he continued.
Milley likewise released a declaration Tuesday that extended his acknowledgements to the late officer’s household and applauded him for his work.
“We are forever grateful for the professionalism, dedication and courage he and every officer exhibit to ensure the safety and well-being of all of us who serve at the Pentagon,” Milley stated.
White House press secretary Jen Psaki, likewise provided acknowledgements to Gonzalez’s household throughout a Wednesday press instruction.
“His life was one of service,” Psaki stated. “He lost his life protecting those who protect the nation.”
The Pentagon was put on lockdown Tuesday early morning after a number of gunshots were fired near the structure, however it resumed after more than an hour.
Woodrow Kusse, the cops chief of the Pentagon Force Protection Agency, stated at an interview Tuesday that authorities are not trying to find another suspect: “The incident is over, the scene is secure, and most importantly, there is no continuing threat to our community,” he stated.
The last time a considerable occurrence took place at the Pentagon Metro Center remained in 2010, according to Kusse.Â
A shooter opened fire at the Pentagon entryway and injured 2 officers with the Pentagon Force Protection Agency in March 2010. The officers, who endured, fatally shot the male not long after.
