PFPA Officer Killed in Pentagon Attack; Suspect Fatally Shot

On the morning of August 3, 2021, Pentagon Force Protection Agency (PFPA) Officer George Gonzalez was killed during an attack while stationed at the Metrobus platform outside the Pentagon.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said of the attack, “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. We will keep the family of our fallen officer—and his fellow officers—foremost in our mind and provide them whatever support they require. I hope they know we mourn with them.”

The perpetrator of the attack was identified as 27-year-old Austin William Lanz, of Georgia. Online court records show that Lanz had previously been arrested in Cobb County, Georgia, on criminal trespassing and burglary charges and faced 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.

According to FBI and PFPA reports Wednesday, Lanz stepped off a bus near the Pentagon and immediately attacked Officer Gonzalez with a knife. He then proceeded to use the officer’s gun to shoot himself. A civilian bystander also sustained non-life threatening injuries and was taken to the hospital.

Motivation for the attack is still unknown, but this attack has raised concerns about the security of the Pentagon. Another attack occurred in 2010, when a shooter opened fire on two PFPA officers at a security screening area and was fatally shot.

Pentagon Force Protection Agency Chief Woodrow Kusse explained, “The Pentagon metro station is probably one of the busiest in the transportation system. It is a hub for commuters as well as building occupants. There are a number of measures that we have in place out there. Every time an incident occurs, whether it’s here or anywhere else … you do after-actions on those, you examine them, you look for things we can do to improve.”

Larry Cosme, President of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA), expressed his condolences over the loss of Officer Gonzalez. Cosme said over social media, “The entire FLEOA team expresses our sincere condolences and sorrow for this loss. Pentagon police officers play a vital role in safeguarding our nation’s U.S. military headquarters.”