Pentagon Attacker Shot Himself With Officer's Service Weapon: FBI

WASHINGTON, DC — The man police say stabbed Officer George Gonzalez of the Pentagon Force Protection Agency Tuesday at the Pentagon Transit Center shot himself with the officer's service weapon, according to a post on the FBI Washington Field Office's Twitter account.

Around 10:40 a.m. on Tuesday, a man exiting a bus at the mass transit facility that services the Pentagon attacked Gonzalez with a knife without provocation, according to the FBI.

The assailant, whom the FBI identified as Austin William Lanz, 27, of Acworth, Georgia, struggled with Gonzalez and then shot himself with the officer's service weapon. Other PFPA officers engaged with Lanz, who died at the scene.

Gonzalez was transported to George Washington University Hospital in Washington, D.C. to be treated for severe injuries. He was pronounced dead later that evening.

A civilian bystander injured at the scene was taken to a nearby hospital to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries, according to the FBI. The victim was later released.

PFPA held an End of Watch ceremony for Gonzalez Tuesday night and identified him as the slain officer Wednesday morning.

The FBI is continuing to investigate the incident.

Related:

Officer Fatally Stabbed Tuesday At Pentagon Identified By Police

Police Officer Fatally Stabbed At Pentagon Transit Facility

A struggle ensued, in which the subject mortally wounded Officer Gonzalez and then shot himself with the officer’s service weapon. Other PFPA officers engaged the subject, who ultimately died at the scene.
— FBI Washington Field (@FBIWFO) August 4, 2021