Photo of man suspected of stabbing Pentagon officer before shooting himself released
New details released in deadly stabbing of Pentagon officer
The Federal Bureau of Investigation on Wednesday released additional details in their investigation into a burst of violence at a Pentagon Metrobus platform in which an officer was stabbed to death, and the suspect died. FOX 5's Lindsay Watts has more.
WASHINGTON - The Federal Bureau of Investigation on Wednesday released additional details in their investigation into a burst of violence at a Pentagon Metrobus platform in which an officer was stabbed to death, and the suspect died.
A mugshot of the suspect - Austin William Lanz, 27, of Georgia - was released by the Cobb County sheriff's office on Wednesday.
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According to the FBI, Lanz got off the bus at the Pentagon Transit Center in Arlington and immediately assaulted Pentagon officer George Gonzalez with a knife, severely wounding him. The FBI also confirmed Thursday that Lanz shot Gonzalez with the officer's service weapon.
During the struggle, the FBI says, Lanz grabbed Gonzalez’s gun and shot himself. After other Pentagon officers responded to the scene, Lanz died.
Pentagon officer killed at transit center identified
The Federal Bureau of Investigation on Wednesday released additional details in their investigation into a burst of violence at a Pentagon Metrobus platform in which an officer was stabbed to death, and the suspect died. FOX 5's Sierra Fox has more.
A person who was standing nearby was also injured. That person was taken to a local hospital and treated for injuries that the FBI says were not life threatening. That victim has since been released.
The Pentagon Force Protection Agency waited to identify Gonzalez on Wednesday – per department policy.
Investigation continues after Pentagon officer stabbed, killed; Metro station remains closed
The investigation is continuing after a Pentagon police officer was stabbed and killed during a burst of violence outside of the U.S. military's headquarters. The incident happened Tuesday morning at a transit center outside the Pentagon and also left the suspect dead after being shot by law enforcement.
The agency released the information on Twitter Wednesday. Gonzalez was a New York native who joined the Pentagon Force Protection Agency in 2018.
Officials say he was twice promoted and became a Senior Officer in 2020. Gonzalez was a military and police veteran and had previously been a part of the Federal Bureau of Prisons, the Transportation Security Administration, and United States Army. He was also awarded the Army Commendation Medal for his service in Iraq.
Pentagon Police Officer George Gonzalez (Pentagon Force Protection Agency)
"Officer Gonzalez embodied our values of integrity and service to others," their statement said. "As we mourn the loss of Officer Gonzalez, our commitment to serve and protect is stronger. Officer Gonzalez’s family is in our thoughts and prayers. May he rest in peace."
Officials described Gonzalez as gregarious, well-liked and respected. He was a "die-hard Yankees fan," they said.
Pentagon police provided a statement regarding Gonzalez on behalf of his 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.
Gonzalez was stabbed and killed during a burst of violence outside of the U.S. military's headquarters. The incident happened Tuesday morning at a transit center outside the Pentagon and also left the suspect dead after being shot by law enforcement. The investigation is continuing at this time.
Here's what we know today:
- The incident began around 10:30 a.m. Tuesday on a Metro bus platform that is part of the Pentagon Transit Center, a hub for subway and bus lines.
- The Pentagon was on lockdown for about two hours.
- Gonzalez was stabbed in the neck and transported to a hospital where he later died.
PENTAGON METRO VIOLENCE: SUSPECT WHO ALLEGEDLY STABBED, KILLED OFFICER IDENTIFIED, AP SAYS
- Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin issued a statement that read in part: "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. This tragic death today is a stark reminder of the dangers they face and the sacrifices they make. We are forever grateful for that service and the courage with which it is rendered."
- Flags flown on the Pentagon Reservation have been lowered to half-staff in honor of Gonzalez.
- The suspect was identified by multiple law enforcement officials as 27-year-old Austin William Lanz of Georgia.
- Lanz had enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in October 2012 but was "administratively separated" less than a month later and never earned the title Marine, the Corps said in a statement.
- Lanz was arrested in April in Cobb County, Georgia, on criminal trespassing and burglary charges, according to online court records. The same day, a separate criminal case was filed against Lanz with six additional charges, including two counts of aggravated battery on police, a count of making a terrorist threat and a charge for rioting in a penal institution, the records show.
HUNDREDS OF LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS HONOR FALLEN PENTAGON OFFICER AT DC HOSPITAL
- Metro says Pentagon Station is expected to remain closed all day. Yellow & Blue line trains will bypass the station.
- All Metrobus service to/from Pentagon Transit Center will operate from Pentagon City (S Hayes near 12th St)