Hero of the week: Army Veteran gave life to save others at Pentagon shooting

Gonzalez was stabbed right outside of the Pentagon’s visitor entrance, by an attacker that Pop Smoke Media has chosen not to name. The visitor entrance has swaths of individuals pass through it on a regular basis, making this Veteran’s actions even more heroic than they already were.

There are reports stating that the man killed himself with Gonzalez’s gun, and also some that state law enforcement shot and killed him.

Remembering a Hero and Veteran

Pentagon Force Protection Agency announced in an email to American Military News, that “Last night (August 2nd), 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.”

Gonzalez previously served with the Federal Bureau of Prisons, the Transportation Security Administration, and United States Army. He was also awarded the Army Commendation Medal for his service in Iraq.

According to a series of tweets from the PFPA, Gonzalez began working for them on July 22, 2018. He was promoted twice during this short time, and in 2020, he attained the rank of senior officer.

The final statement given by PFPA said, “Officer Gonzalez embodied our values of integrity and service to others. As we mourn the loss of Officer Gonzalez, our commitment to serve and protect is stronger.”

Gonzalez was a Brooklyn native and a committed Yankee’s fan. PFPA described him as being a “gregarious officer” who was “well-liked and respected by his fellow officers.”

May this man, and all others who put the well-being of strangers before their own lives, rest in peace.