Paris Train Attack Hero Announces Run for Office

A former member of the National Guard who helped stop a terror attack on a Paris-bound train in 2015 is now running for office.

Alek Skarlatos announced his candidacy for a Douglas County Commissioner seat in Oregon this week, according to The News-Review.

"I know how structure works, and I know how each person plays a part to make an organization function, and I know what causes organizations like that to break down, and I know what makes them successful," the 25-year-old said at the Douglas County Republican Party headquarters.

"I hope to make it more successful than not, using my experience in the military. . . . Somebody is going to have to step up and represent the next generation in Douglas County. I think the political climate has led a lot of younger people to become interested in politics, myself included. I just hope to move Douglas County in a better direction."

Skarlatos, Anthony Sadler, and Spencer Stone were on a train from Amsterdam to Paris on Aug. 21, 2015 when a man — who French police believe was a radical Islamic terrorist — pulled out an assault rifle, a handgun, and a box cutter and began firing. The three Americans and four other passengers intervened and were able to subdue the gunman.

No one was killed in the incident.

Skarlatos was in the Army National Guard at the time and Stone was in the Air Force. The three Americans are childhood friends.

Skarlatos was awarded the Soldier's Medal for his efforts, Stone earned the Airman's Medal and the Purple Heart, and Sadler was given the Secretary of Defense Medal for Valor.

All three received the French Legion of Honor medal.

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