The family of a 27-year-old Acworth man, who killed a Pentagon police officer in an “accidental attack” before being fatally shot by police, apologized publicly on Friday, citing their son’s “psychological challenges”.
On Tuesday, Andrew Lanz stabbed Army veteran and Pentagon police officer George Gonzalez in the neck and then shot him with the officer’s own gun outside the Pentagon Transit Center in Arlington, Virginia. Then he shot himself.
“While we sit in great disbelief over the events and continue to mourn lost lives, we hope that this tragedy can help raise awareness and change the growing mental health crisis in our country,” wrote Lanz’s parents in one Statement to CNN.
According to Cobb County Magistrate Court records, Lanz was arrested on April 24 for trespassing and burglary.
The next day, his behavior in prison led to new charges, two charges of increased police force, rioting in a correctional facility, terrorist threats, obstruction and second degree criminal harm. He was hired to give therapy and drug counseling in court.
Pentagon police officer George Gonzalez was stabbed in the neck outside the US Defense headquarters in Washington DC on Tuesday
Police officers from the Washington Metropolitan Police Department, the US Capitol Police, the Pentagon Force Protection Agency and other law enforcement agencies greet the ceremonial procession
Several people were reportedly injured in the shootings in front of the Pentagon, including a police officer who was stabbed to death and later died
“The last few months of Austin’s life have been associated with many psychological challenges,” wrote Lanz’s parents.
‘Unfortunately, despite his time in the criminal justice system with its special requirements, hospital stays, and numerous professional mental health assessments, Austin did not receive an official diagnosis, so he was unable to adequately deal with his mental health or get the help he did urgently needed. ‘
Despite his ticket, a judge reduced Lanz’s bail to $ 30,000 after his arrest in April, allowing him to travel freely to DC to conduct the shooting.
A crowded scene in the metro bus station in front of the Pentagon on Tuesday afternoon
Pentagon Police Chief Woodrow Kusse refused to confirm the death of the officer and suspect during a meeting at the Pentagon on Tuesday
According to spokesman Major Jim Stenger, Lanz was also “administratively separated from the Marines” after a month of training in 2012. Family attorney Jimmy Berry told CNN that this was due to high blood pressure.
He was in Washington with his father for “medical reasons” and a mental health exam – the attorney told the outlet that Lanz had had an investigation done in his home state of Georgia in the past.
On August 3, according to the FBI, Lanz got out of a bus at the train station, then came “immediately, without provocation” and attacked Gonzalez with a knife. After a fight, Lanz snatched the gun from Gonzalez, mortally wounding the officer, and then shot himself.
“We are devastated by the loss of our son Austin and officer George Gonzalez,” the family wrote.
“We want Officer Gonzalez’s family and friends to know that we are so sorry and heartbroken for them. We will forever be grateful to him for his service and commitment to the safety and well-being of our country. ‘
Gonzalez was born in Brooklyn and had served in the Pentagon Police Department for three years. He was promoted twice and was named senior officer in 2020 and was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for his services.
“As a sociable officer, he was very popular and respected by his colleagues,” said the police on Twitter.
Following the incident, Pentagon police and the FBI announced that there was “no threat to the public” and did not rule out the possibility of a terrorist motive.
“Officer Gonzalez embodied our values of integrity and service to others,” said a tweet from Pentagon police. “As we mourn the loss of Officer Gonzalez, our commitment to serve and protect is stronger. Officer Gonzalez’s family is on our thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace.’
Tuesday’s attack on a busy stretch of the Washington area’s transportation system dangled the nerves of a region that was on high alert following the surge in violence in the DC area and the January 6 riot at the Capitol.
The attack occurred on a metro bus platform belonging to the Pentagon Transit Center, a hub for subway and bus routes. The station is steps from the Pentagon, which is located in Arlington County, Virginia, directly across the Potomac River from Washington.
An Associated Press reporter near the building heard several gunshots, then a pause, then at least one more shot. Another AP journalist heard the police shout “shooter”.
In 2010, two Pentagon Force Protection Agency officers were wounded when an armed man approached them in a security checkpoint area. The officers who survived returned fire and fatally wounded the shooter identified as John Patrick Bedell.
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The lockdown came into effect at 10:30 a.m. and was lifted at 12:15 p.m. on Tuesday
Police blocked an entrance to the Pentagon after multiple shots were fired on a bus platform near the facility’s subway station Tuesday, killing an officer
The Pentagon was locked for nearly two hours Tuesday after multiple shots were fired
Metro subways bypass the Pentagon because of the lockdown
A police officer in tactical gear inspects vehicles outside the Pentagon on Tuesday while police search for a suspect who was shooting
Heavily armed law enforcement officers are seen near the entrance to the Pentagon, following a report of an active rifleman and lockdown in Washington, DC
A police officer with an assault rifle looks at vehicles in front of the Pentagon
