Early Saturday Morning, police were called to a home in Austin, Texas for a report of a woman who had been stabbed. Austin police officers quickly arrived on scene and entered the residence once they learned there were hostages inside. The suspect immediately opened fire causing them to retreat and seek cover. SWAT was called to the scene after the gunman barricaded himself inside. The team of SWAT officers breached the home to initiate a hostage rescue attempt. Police Officer Jorge Pastore was one of two officers who were wounded after exchanging gunfire with the suspect. Despite valiant lifesaving efforts from his fellow teammates and medical personnel, Jorge succumbed to his injuries. The suspect was killed by the officers. Both hostages were later discovered deceased inside the home.
Senior Police Officer Jorge Pastore joined the Austin Police Department in 2019 and leaves behind a wife, two stepsons, both parents and two sisters. He passionately served the Austin community in a variety of different capacities including patrol in Henry and George sector, while also an active team member of the Honor Guard, SWAT Gold Team, CAST, and SRT. Jorge was remembered as a warrior, and a hard worker who constantly sought to improve himself.
Prior to his time in law enforcement, Jorge worked as a medic in Florida. He was one of the first on scene at the Parkland High School mass shooting in 2018. It was after that event that Jorge realized he wanted to do more. He wanted to try and help prevent such tragedies before they occurred. Jorge joined the Austin Police Department with the goal of becoming a member of the SWAT team and accomplished that feat in just a few short years. There was no doubt in anyone’s mind that he would be the first through the door; that’s just the kind of guy that Jorge was. Officer Pastore was 38-years old.
