Michael R. Penzel

military officer

Major General Michael R. Penzel is a U.S. Army officer who served as the head of the U.S. security coordination office during the investigation into the shooting of journalist Shireen Abu Akleh. He played a significant role in formulating the U.S. State Department's statement regarding the incident, which concluded that the shooting was not intentional. Penzel's assessment has been contested by colleagues, including Colonel Steve Gabowitz, who argue that there is sufficient evidence to suggest the shooting was deliberate.