'This could happen to you': Daniel Penny trial training for hero Alek Skarlatos

The Oregon Army National Guard veteran who helped prevent a terrorist attack on a train from Amsterdam to Paris in 2015 is expressing concern about the manslaughter trial of New York Marine veteran Daniel Penny.

Oregon House Rep.-elect Alek Skarlatos stated that he believes French self-defense law is more accommodating than in New York.

Would you prefer people to take action and make the right choice, or not? If he is convicted, it will scare many people and cause blue states to become inactive.

Politicized prosecutors in blue states have a problem, as they appear to apply a double standard in their decision-making, favoring certain individuals over others based on political considerations.

"If you reside in Oregon, Washington, California, and New York, you are likely concerned about the possibility of a terrorist attack occurring in your area, especially if you consider yourself someone who would take action, as stated by the individual interviewed by Planet Chronicle Digital. In our terrorist attack, for example, it occurred on a continent where guns were prohibited. As a result, we were forced to fight the attacker hand-to-hand."

In Democratic strongholds, Skarlatos observes a dual justice system. Despite speaking with police and remaining at the scene, Penny was not arrested until 11 days later when the same Manhattan District Attorney's Office that prosecuted the NY v. Trump case charged her with manslaughter.

No one deserves to die because they're having a mental health episode, but at the same time, no one should have to put up with a drug-addicted schizophrenic person threatening their lives. — Oregon House Rep.-elect Alek Skarlatos

"Skarlatos stated that Hunter Biden is also being pardoned today, and there are double standards in how blue states and Democrat leadership apply the law."

He stated that he believes Penny acted with the interests of others in mind, intervening to prevent a potential danger from escalating.

He stated that he believed he did the right thing and the police had Neely in custody after watching the interview with police, thinking everything would turn out fine.

On August 21, 2015, Skarlatos, along with two friends, Spencer Stone and Anthony Sadler, were on a train bound for Paris when El Khazzani exited the bathroom and began shooting.

The terrorist, now convicted, possessed an AK-47 rifle, an automatic pistol, a box cutter, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. During the struggle, the rifle malfunctioned and the guns were seized. By that time, El Khazzani had fired at one passenger, severely injured Mark Moogalian, an American expat residing in France, and inflicted multiple wounds on Stone.

He was still resisting even when we had him under control, so I told him to stop resisting. But he didn't. So I put the handgun to the back of his head and pulled the trigger. Unfortunately, the handgun was empty.

Instead of choking him out, Skarlatos struck him in the head with the butt of the rifle, causing him to lose his thumb.

The Oregon National Guard sniper initially feared telling French authorities about his actions.

"The American FBI, who interviewed us the next morning, confirmed that it was not an issue for the French. They stated that it was terrorism and that the French did not care. As a result, when the French federal police interviewed me later that day, I informed them about the conversation with the FBI."

In 2015, the three childhood friends were awarded France's highest honor, the French Legion of Honor, for their bravery in stopping the attack on the train. Skarlatos was also given the Army's Soldier's Medal for his actions, while Stone, who saved the life of the fourth passenger, received the Airman's Medal and Purple Heart.

In 2018, they played themselves in the Clint Eastwood-directed movie "The 15:17 to Paris," which was based on their memoir of the same name.

Since May 2023, Penny's case has been the subject of national attention due to her arrest on manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide charges.

On a Manhattan subway car, a 30-year-old homeless man with schizophrenia and synthetic marijuana experienced a fear-inducing outburst, which was stopped by placing him in a headlock.

At the time of his arrest, Neely had an active warrant and a history of violent attacks. Witnesses testified that they feared for their lives as Neely screamed about killing people and not being afraid to go back to jail.

Penny's defense claims that the restraint was a lawful application of force and that it was not the only reason for Neely's death. Prosecutors contend that Penny went too far with the restraint.

He faces a maximum of 15 years in prison if convicted.

Skarlatos, who was recently elected to the Oregon House of Representatives, stated that he intends to fight against gun control restrictions and safeguard citizens' right to self-defense once he assumes office.

The Democrats are reportedly planning to introduce several anti-gun bills, which is a topic close to my heart as a gun owner who has experienced gun violence.

This report was contributed to by Ashley Papa of Planet Chronicle, Stephen Sorace of Planet Chronicle, and The Associated Press.