Thu, 01 October 2015 at 9:00 pm

Alek Skarlatos Heads Home To Oregon After UCC Shooting - Read His Statement About The Shooting

Alek Skarlatos strips off his shirt while filming a video package for Dancing With the Stars on Thursday afternoon (October 1).

After hearing about the shooting at UCC in Oregon (where he was once a student), the 22-year-old soldier headed out of practice with pro partner Lindsay Arnold.

“I was enrolled as a student at Umpqua Community College prior to my 2014 deployment to Afghanistan,” Alek shared in a statement. “While I was fortunate enough to be in the right place at the right time in August aboard a train bound for Paris, I only wish that the same could be said for today. I wish that I could have been there today to assist.”

He added, “I praise the first responders who were on the ground today in Roseburg as they undoubtedly were integral in saving numerous lives and putting a stop to what could have been more than tragic than it is. My heart and prayers go out to this community, my community, right now.”