Barack Obama Calls Three Americans Heroes For Their Actions During Paris Train Attack
The three Americans who tackled and subdued a gunman on a Paris train were called heroes by President Barack Obama. On Friday, Spencer Stone, Anthony Sadler, and Alek Skarlatos were on board a train from Amsterdam to Paris. Gunshots and broken glass were soon heard on the train and the three men quickly went after the man who was shooting. Alek Skarlatos, a member of the Oregon National Guard, comments about the terrorist attack.
“I saw a guy entering the train with an AK-47 and a handgun, and I just looked over to Spencer and said, ‘Let’s go, go!'”
Anthony Sadler also comments about the Paris attack and how he and his friends fought back.
“As he was cocking it to shoot it, Alek just yells, ‘Spencer, go!’ And Spencer runs down the aisle. Spencer makes first contact, he tackles the guy, Alek wrestles the gun away from him, and the gunman pulls out a box cutter and slices Spencer a few times. And the three of us beat him until he was unconscious.”
Chris Norman, a British passenger, decided to help the American heroes. Norman felt like he was going to die anyway so he decided to try and help.
“My thought was, ‘OK, I am probably going to die anyway, so let’s go.’ I’d rather die being active trying to get him down than simply sit in the corner and die.”
Due to their acts of heroism, President Barack Obama called the three American heroes on Saturday to commend them on their courage and for potentially stopping a larger terrorist attack in Paris. Deputy Press Secretary Eric Schultz commented on what President Obama said to the three men.
“The President expressed his gratitude to these three individuals for their heroic actions forestalling an even greater tragedy. The President wished Airman Stone a full and speedy recovery, and expressed how proud all Americans are of their extraordinary bravery.”
Airmen Spencer Stone was injured while subduing the Paris attacker. Due to his injuries, Airmen Stone underwent surgery on his hand and is expected to make a full recovery.
Barack Obama was not the only government official to praise the heroic acts of the three men. Secretary of Defense Ash Carter stated that the actions of the two military men proved why “on duty and off, ours is the finest fighting force the world has ever known.” Secretary of State John Kerry took to Twitter to show his thanks.
Incredibly proud of 3 American heroes who subdued attacker on #FrenchTrain yesterday. Wishing speedy recovery to those injured.
— John Kerry (@JohnKerry) August 22, 2015
The three American heroes have been invited to meet with French President Francois Hollande on Monday.
What are your thoughts on the Paris train attack? Do you feel the same as Barack Obama does in regard to the actions of the three Americans?
[Image via NBC Los Angeles]
