American Hero Spencer Stone Who Stopped Train Terror Attack Stabbed in Sacramento, in Serious Condition
Spencer Stone, one of the Americans who helped stop a terror attack on a French train in August, has been stabbed outside a bar in Sacramento, and is in "serious" condition in hospital, doctors have said.
An Air Force official, who wasn't named, told BBC News that Stone, who's an Air Force Airman First Class, was attacked early on Thursday while defending a friend.
Police have said that two men attacked Stone, with the one who stabbed him fleeing the scene. They added, however, that the incident was not related in any way to the happenings in France earlier this year.
Get Our Latest News for FREE
"This is not a terrorism related incident nor is it related to what happened in France months ago," Deputy Ken Bernard said.
"The assault does not appear to be a random act," Bernard added. "Its believed to be related to a night club incident."
The police department suggested that the incident began as a "verbal argument" which turned into a physical fight, and there are suspicions alcohol may have been involved.
The Guardian added that Stone was taken to UC Davis Medical Center for treatment, with the medical center describing his condition as "serious" but not life-threatening.
"The family of Airman Spencer Stone appreciates the outpouring of love and support," a statement from UC Davis added.
Stone, along with fellow British businessman Chris Norman and fellow Americans Anthony Sadler and Alek Skarlatos, was awarded the Légion d'honneur, France's highest honor, following their heroics on a high-speed train from Amsterdam to Paris back in August. The travelers tackled terror suspect Ayoub El-Khazani to the ground after the latter opened fire with an AK-47 on the train, potentially saving a host of lives.
Stone's thumb was sliced off during the confrontation when the gunman stabbed him with a box cutter, but medics where able to stitch it back on his hand.
The Moroccan-born suspect was known to French intelligence services, reports said.
President Barack Obama later welcomed the three Americans at the White House to thank them for their actions.
Obama "expressed his profound gratitude for the courage and quick thinking of several passengers, including U.S. service members, who selflessly subdued the attacker," the White House said in a statement. "It is clear that their heroic actions may have prevented a far worse tragedy."
