Officer Slain

Pentagon police officer killed in attack outside Department of Defense headquarters - Fox News

A Pentagon police officer was killed in a "shooting event" outside the Defense Department headquarters Tuesday morning, a defense official confirmed to Fox News.

The Associated Press reported that the officer was stabbed by the suspect, who was shot and killed at the scene by law enforcement.

The suspect was later identified by multiple law enforcement officials as Austin William Lanz, 27, of Georgia. Marine Corps spokesman Maj. Jim Stenger told Fox News that Lanz was enlisted in the Marine Corps in October 2012 but administratively separated on Nov. 2, 2012, and never earned the title Marine.

Neither Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin nor Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley was present at the Pentagon during the shooting. Both were with President Biden at their weekly Tuesday meeting at the White House.

"On behalf of everyone working at the Pentagon, and across the Department of Defense, I extend my deepest sympathies to the family, loved ones and colleagues of the Pentagon Force Protection Officer who died as a result of injuries he received this morning," Austin said in a statement later Tuesday.

"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. "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." (Read more)

- Father God, we also honor the officer who died in this violent incident, and we thank You that all of the 30,000 men and women who work everyday inside the Pentagon complex were kept safe yesterday morning. Indeed, in these violent times, we are grateful for all the men and women in uniform across our land, and we decree the protection of Psalm 91 for each and every one. In Your Name, amen.