WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — Three people including one of the US service members were reported seriously injured in the attack. The terrorist, identified as a Moroccan, was heard by the off-duty US Marines loading a Kalashnikov assault rifle in a toilet when they intervened.
“The President expressed his profound gratitude for the courage and quick thinking of several passengers, including US service members, who selflessly subdued the attacker,” a White House official said on Friday evening.
One of the US servicemen was wounded when the attacker shot with a handgun, media reported.
“While the investigation into the attack is in its early stages, it is clear that their heroic actions may have prevented a far worse tragedy,” the official said.
European authorities are describing the attack as an act of terrorism.
