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Parents of Georgia man, 27, who stabbed and shot a Pentagon cop to death in 'random attack' before he killed himself, apologize to his family and blame their son's 'mental health challenges'

The family of a 27-year-old Acworth man who killed a Pentagon cop in a 'random attack' before he was fatally shot by police issued a public apology Friday, citing their son's 'mental health challenges.'   

On Tuesday, Andrew Lanz stabbed Army veteran and Pentagon Police officer George Gonzalez in the neck then shot him with the officer's own gun outside the Pentagon Transit Center in Arlington, Virginia. He then shot himself.

'While we sit in great disbelief over the events that occurred and continue to mourn for lives lost, we are hopeful that this tragedy can help bring greater awareness and change to the growing mental health crisis in our country,' wrote Lanz's parents in a statement to CNN.

According to Cobb County Magistrate Court's records, Lanz was arrested for trespassing and burglary April 24. 

The next day, his conduct in jail led to new charges, two counts of aggravated battery of police, rioting in a penal institution, making terroristic threats, obstruction and second-degree criminal damage. He was mandated to therapy and drug counseling in court.

Pentagon Police Officer George Gonzalez has been named as the man stabbed in the neck outside the US Defense HQ in Washington DC on TuesdayThe suspect - identified as Austin William Lanz, 27 - was shot by law enforcement and died at the scene

Pentagon Police Officer George Gonzalez was stabbed in the neck outside the US Defense HQ in Washington DC on Tuesday 

Law enforcement officers from Washington's Metropolitan Police Department, the U.S. Capitol Police, the Pentagon Force Protection Agency and other police departments salute the ceremonial procession

Law enforcement officers from Washington's Metropolitan Police Department, the U.S. Capitol Police, the Pentagon Force Protection Agency and other police departments salute the ceremonial procession

Several people were said to have been injured in the shooting outside the Pentagon, among them a police officer who was stabbed and later died

Several people were said to have been injured in the shooting outside the Pentagon, among them a police officer who was stabbed and later died 

'The last few months of Austin’s life were overcome with many mental health challenges,' Lanz's parents wrote. 

'Unfortunately, despite time spent in the criminal justice system with their special requirements his hospital stays and numerous professional mental health evaluations, Austin did not receive any official diagnosis, therefore, he was unable to sufficiently deal with his mental health nor get the help he so desperately needed.'

Despite his rap sheet, a judge reduced Lanz's bond to $30,000 after his April arrests, leaving him free to travel to DC to carry out the shooting.

A crowded scene in the Metro bus station outside the Pentagon on Tuesday afternoon

A crowded scene in the Metro bus station outside the Pentagon on Tuesday afternoon  

Pentagon Police Chief Woodrow Kusse refused to confirm the deaths of the officer and the suspect during a briefing at the Pentagon on Tuesday

Pentagon Police Chief Woodrow Kusse refused to confirm the deaths of the officer and the suspect during a briefing at the Pentagon on Tuesday

 Lanz was also 'administratively separated' from the Marines after a month in training in 2012, according to spokesperson Major Jim Stenger. Family attorney Jimmy Berry told CNN that this was due to high blood pressure. 

He was in Washington with his father for a 'medical reason' and a mental health evaluation - the attorney told the outlet that Lanz had evaluations done in the past in his home state of Georgia.  

On August 3, according to the FBI, Lanz got off a bus at the station, then 'immediately, without provocation' approached and attacked Gonzalez with a knife. After a struggle, Lanz wrested away Gonzalez's gun, 'mortally wounded' the officer and then shot himself. 

 'We are devastated by the loss of our son, Austin, and of 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 thankful for his service and dedication to the safety and well-being of our country.' 

Gonzalez was born in Brooklyn, and had served for three years with the Pentagon Police Department. He was promoted twice and became a senior officer in 2020 and awarded the Army Commendation Medal for his service.

 'A gregarious officer, he was well-liked and respected by his fellow officers,' the police said in on Twitter.

After the incident, the Pentagon Police and FBI announced that there was 'no threat to the public' and did not rule out the possibility of a terroristic motive.       

'Officer Gonzalez embodied our values of integrity and service to others,' a tweet from the Pentagon Police said. '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.' 

Tuesday's attack on a busy stretch of the Washington area's transportation system jangled the nerves of a region already on alert after an uptick in violence in the D.C. area, and the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol. 

The attack occurred on a Metro bus platform, part of the Pentagon Transit Center, a hub for subway and bus lines. The station is steps from the Pentagon, which is in Arlington County, Virginia, just across the Potomac River from Washington.

An Associated Press reporter near the building heard multiple gunshots, then a pause, then at least one additional shot. Another AP journalist heard police yelling 'shooter.' 

In 2010, two officers with the Pentagon Force Protection Agency were wounded when a gunman approached them at a security screening area. The officers, who survived, returned fire, fatally wounding the gunman, identified as John Patrick Bedell.

Scroll down for video. 

The lockdown went into effect at 10.30am and was lifted at 12.15pm on Tuesday

The lockdown went into effect at 10.30am and was lifted at 12.15pm on Tuesday

Police block off an entrance to the Pentagon following reports of multiple gun shots fired on a bus platform near the facility's Metro station Tuesday, killing an officer

Police block off an entrance to the Pentagon following reports of multiple gun shots fired on a bus platform near the facility's Metro station Tuesday, killing an officer

The Pentagon was on lockdown for nearly two hours on Tuesday after multiple gunshots were fired

The Pentagon was on lockdown for nearly two hours on Tuesday after multiple gunshots were fired 

Metro subway trains are bypassing the Pentagon because of the lockdown 



A police officer in tactical gear looks at vehicles outside the Pentagon on Tuesday as cops hunt for a shooting suspect

A police officer in tactical gear looks at vehicles outside the Pentagon on Tuesday as cops hunt for a shooting suspect 

Heavily armed law enforcement officers are seen near the entrance of the Pentagon after a report of an active shooter and lockdown in Washington, DC

Heavily armed law enforcement officers are seen near the entrance of the Pentagon after a report of an active shooter and lockdown in Washington, DC

A police officer holding an assault-style rifle is seen looking at vehicles outside the Pentagon

A police officer holding an assault-style rifle is seen looking at vehicles outside the Pentagon

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