Family Of Fallen Pentagon Officer Launches GoFundMe Campaign

ARLINGTON, VA — The family of George Gonzalez started a memorial fund Sunday for the Pentagon Force Protection Agency officer who was fatally wounded Tuesday on the platform of the Pentagon Transit Center.

"Our family is heartbroken over the death of our son and brother, but we are so extremely proud of the life he lived," Gonzalez/Rubert Family said, on the GoFundMe. "George devoted himself to serving his country in the military and as a law enforcement officer."

By 3 p.m. on Monday, the GoFundMe campaign had already raised $15,000, outstripping its original goal of $1,000.

A Brooklyn, New York native and die-hard Yankees fan, Gonzalez was a graduate of New York City's Canarsie High School, according to PFPA. He became an officer with the agency on July 22, 2018.

Before choosing a career in law enforcement, Gonzalez served with distinction in Iraq as a sergeant in the U.S. Army. He then worked the for the Federal Bureau of Prisons and the Transportation Security Administration.

Gonzalez joined the PFPA on July 22, 2018. Twice-promoted, Gonzalez earned the rank of senior officer in 2020, according to the PFPA.

It was in his role as a PFPA officer that Gonzalez was on the Pentagon Transit Center platform Tuesday morning when a man exiting a bus attacked him with a knife without provocation, according to the FBI.

The assailant, whom the FBI later identified as Austin William Lanz, 27, of Acworth, Georgia, struggled with Gonzalez and then shot himself with Gonzalez'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.

In the aftermath of Gonzalez's death, military and public safety officials and organizations shared their condolences with the Gonzalez/Rubert Family.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III ordered all flags at the Pentagon to fly at half-mast in honor of Gonzalez, and on Friday, a memorial was held in the building's parking lot.

"We would like to thank everyone, nationwide, who has shared with us their condolences during this difficult time," Gonzalez/Rubert Family said, in their GoFundMe post. "Your continued prayers mean more to us than anything. If you would like to make a donation in honor of our son and brother, we have established this memorial fund. From the bottom of our hearts, we say, Thank you!"

Also see:

Pentagon Officer Remembered For Service, Love Of Country