Updated: Pentagon Officer Remembered For Service, Love Of Country

Updated 5:05 p.m.: This story was updated with a message from the Gonzalez/Rubert family.

ARLINGTON, VA — Family members, coworkers, and fellow law enforcement personnel remembered Pentagon Force Protection Agency Officer George Gonzalez for his service and sacrifice in messages on social media.

On Wednesday afternoon, PFPA posted the following statement from the Gonzalez/Rubert family on Twitter:

"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.”

PFPA identified Gonzalez as the officer who was fatally stabbed Tuesday at the Pentagon Transit Center, according to a post on the agency's official Twitter account. PFPA observed an End of Watch ceremony Tuesday night for Gonzalez.

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 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.

The FBI is continuing to investigated the incident.

Related: Police Officer Fatally Stabbed At Pentagon Transit Facility

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.

Twice-promoted, Gonzalez earned the rank of senior officer in 2020, according to the tweet.

A U.S. Army veteran, Gonzalez served in the Federal Bureau of Prisons and the Transportation Security Administration before joining the PFPA. As a soldier, he received the Army Commendation Medal for his service in Iraq.

"Officer Gonzalez embodied our values of integrity and service to others," the PFCA said, in its Twitter post. "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."

Although Gonzalez wasn't identified until Wednesday morning, members of the military and public safety agencies began expressing their condolences for their fallen colleague on Tuesday.

Related: Cobb Man Who Fatally Stabbed Pentagon Officer Had Troubled Past

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III ordered all flags at the Pentagon to fly at half-mast in honor of Gonzalez.

"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. "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."

Austin also expressed his concerns for the officer's family and asked that the investigation into the incident to continue unimpeded without speculation.

End of Watch Aug. 3, 2021.
Last night, the Pentagon Force Protection Agency observed End of Watch for Pentagon Police Officer George Gonzalez who was tragically killed yesterday during the incident at the Pentagon bus platform. 1/5 pic.twitter.com/lmTqIuqCir
— Pentagon Force Protection Agency (Official) (@PFPAOfficial) August 4, 2021

"In the meantime, we will keep the family of our fallen officer — and his fellow officers — foremost in our mind and provide them whatever support they require," he said. "I know nothing we can say will properly assuage their grief, but I hope they know we mourn with them."

Gen. Mark A. Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, tweeted out his statement.

"On behalf of the entire Joint Force, I extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends and Pentagon Force Protection Agency colleagues of the officer who was killed today in the line of duty protecting the thousands who work at and visit the Pentagon each day," he said, in a Twitter post. "This officer’s bravery will always be honored. We are forever grateful for the professionalism, dedication and courage he and every officer exhibit to ensure the safety and well-being of all of us who serve at the Pentagon.”

Dermot Shea, police commissioner of the City of New York, acknowledged Gonzalez's sacrifice Wednesday in a post on Twitter.

"And now, his memory and legacy will be carried on by the brave men an women across our nation who put on a uniform every day to serve and protect," he said.

Yesterday, in an unprovoked attack, @PFPAOfficial Officer George Gonzalez was stabbed & killed.

And now, his memory & legacy will be carried on by the brave men & women across our nation who put on a uniform every day to serve & protect.

We will #NeverForget PO Gonzalez. pic.twitter.com/VwM20EnTku
— Commissioner Shea (@NYPDShea) August 4, 2021

D.C.- area public safety agencies and other groups expressed their sorrow on social media, including the Fairfax County Fire & Rescue, Herndon Police, Metropolitan Police Department, Fairfax County Police, Arlington County Fire & EMS, Arlington Firefighters Union, Arlington County Police, Metro Transit Police, and WMATA.

#GenMilley“On behalf of the entire Joint Force, I extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends and Pentagon Force Protection Agency colleagues of the officer who was killed today in the line of duty protecting the thousands who work at and visit the Pentagon each day.1/2
— The Joint Staff (@thejointstaff) August 3, 2021