![]() ![]() Throughout the afternoon, condolences poured in for the officer, including from D.C. He said there were "several casualties," a term that can mean injured or deaths. He cited the "active ongoing investigation" and said information was still being obtained about how the incident unfolded and how many people were involved. Kusse refused to outline what led up to the incident or discuss reports about the two deaths at a press briefing Tuesday afternoon. Pentagon Force Protection Agency chief Woodrow Kusse said at a press briefing Tuesday afternoon that the officer "was attacked on the Metro Bus platform" and "gunfire was exchanged." "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. We are forever grateful for that service and the courage with which it is rendered." "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 said in a statement. 6.ĭefense Secretary Lloyd Austin extended his sympathies to Gonzalez's loved ones and ordered flags at the Pentagon to be flown at half-staff to honor the officer. military, was temporarily placed on lockdown after the incident occurred near the entrance of the building. The violence broke out at a busy stretch of the Washington area’s transportation system, an area that is still on edge and reeling from the violence of the deadly riot at the U.S. The Pentagon, the headquarters of 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. ![]() The suspect was identified by multiple law enforcement officials as Austin William Lanz, 27, of Georgia, the AP reported, adding investigators were attempting to determine a motive in the attack and were digging into Lanz’s background, including any potential history of mental illness or any reason he might want to target the Pentagon or police officers. Gonzalez was a Brooklyn native, a die-hard Yankees fan and a graduate of New York City’s Canarsie High School, the PFPA added. "Officer Gonzalez embodied our values of integrity and service to others," the agency said. The agency described him as "gregarious" and "well-liked and respected by his fellow officers." "He took our mission of 'protecting those who protect our nation' to heart," the PFPA said. He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for his service in Iraq, according to the PFPA. A military and police veteran, Gonzalez previously served with the Federal Bureau of Prisons, the Transportation Security Administration, and the Army. Gonzalez joined the PFPA in July 2018 and was quickly promoted to senior officer in 2020, according to the agency. The PFPA said on Twitter the agency on Tuesday observed End of Watch, a ceremony following a police officer's death, for Gonzalez. The suspect, who officials say ambushed and stabbed Gonzalez, died after being shot by law enforcement at the transit station, according to officials who were not authorized to discuss the matter and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. The Pentagon Force Protection Agency, tasked with securing the building, identified the officer as George Gonzalez. Watch Video: Pentagon lockdown lifted after shooting near Metro stopĪn officer has died after being attacked on Tuesday morning at a transit station just outside the Pentagon, federal officials say.
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