American Describes Taking Down Gunman on Train to France
PARIS — The two American service members who tackled a gunman on a high-speed train traveling from Amsterdam to Paris rushed him even though he was fully armed, then grabbed him by the neck and beat him over the head with his own automatic rifle until he was unconscious, one of them said in television interviews here on Saturday.
The suspect entered the train car carrying an AK-47 and a handgun, according to Alex Skarlatos, the service member who was interviewed. “I looked over at Spencer and said, ‘Let’s go,’” said Mr. Skarlatos, identified as a specialist in the Oregon Army National Guard returning from Afghanistan. With him was a friend, Airman First Class Spencer Stone. “And he jumped,” Mr. Skarlatos said. “I followed behind him by about three seconds. Spencer got the guy first, grabbed the guy by the neck, I grabbed the handgun.”
The suspect wounded at least one passenger before the two men subdued him, and their quick action averted what officials said could have been a blood bath. On Saturday morning the French news media, government and social media praised their actions, and President Obama also hailed their bravery.
Photo
Alek Skarlatos, left, a specialist in the Oregon Army National Guard, and Airman First Class Spencer Stone. Credit Pascal Rossignol/Reuters; U.S. Air Force
A third American, Anthony Sadler, a friend of the two servicemen who was traveling with them, also helped restrain the suspect.
All three Americans were decorated with an honor by the French city of Arras, where the train pulled in after the episode. President François Hollande of France will meet with them in coming days, the Élysée Palace announced.
Video shot shorty after the attacker was taken down, showing him tied up and one American badly injured:
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