US man who helped thwart French train attack stabbed in bar

By Sarah Harvey

Spencer Stone, who helped thwart an attack on a French train last August, greets fans during a celebration honoring them in Sacramento, California.
REUTERS/Max Whittaker
Spencer Stone, who helped thwart an attack on a French train last August, greets fans during a celebration honoring them in Sacramento, California. REUTERS/Max Whittaker

A US airforce member who helped thwart an attack on a French train has been repeatedly stabbed in a Californian bar.

Spencer Stone, 25, was one of three Americans hailed as heroes in August after they tackled a man who was carrying a Kalashnikov rifle, an automatic pistol with ammunition clips and a box cutter knife.

The men, assisted by other passengers, threw him to the floor of the carriage, removed his guns and restrained him.

Stone was slashed by the attacker and later required surgery to reattach part of his hand.

Upon his return to California Stone was greeted by scores of people hailing him as a hero and received the Airman’s Medal for bravery. He also met US President Barack Obama.

U.S. Airman 1st Class Spencer Stone is interviewed following an attack on a French train which he helped foil, in Paris, France August 23. REUTERS
U.S. Airman 1st Class Spencer Stone is interviewed following an attack on a French train which he helped foil, in Paris, France August 23. REUTERS

 

According to the BBC Stone was attacked in the early hours of Thursday morning while out with friends.

Ken Bernard of the Sacramento police told the BBC the incident was not related to the train attack.

“This is not a terrorism related incident nor is it related to what happened in France months ago,” Deputy Bernard said.

Stone had been visiting night clubs in the area with four friends before the stabbing took place. Authorities believe that alcohol may have been a factor.

Stone is understood to be in a serious condition in hospital.

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