A 21-year-old Syrian migrant has been arrested following a violent assault on American paramedic and part-time model John Rudat aboard a tram in Dresden, Germany, earlier this week.
The suspect, identified in local media as Majd A., appeared before a judge in handcuffs on Tuesday. Dressed in a gray Adidas hoodie, black sweatpants labeled “Hood Rich,” and white Nike sneakers, he reportedly smirked as he faced the cameras.
According to German outlet Bild, Rudat was attacked after attempting to intervene when two men were allegedly harassing two women on the tram. Surveillance footage later released by authorities reportedly shows Majd striking Rudat in the face while brandishing a weapon, before an accomplice allegedly slashed the American with a knife. The second suspect remains at large.
Majd was initially detained at a migrant shelter on Sunday but released within 12 hours due to insufficient evidence at the time. However, he was re-arrested after video evidence emerged. Bild also reports that Majd has prior charges, including for grievous bodily harm, robbery, and illegal entry.
Rudat, who is from Colonie, New York, told Bild he intervened after noticing disturbing behavior from the suspects. “Then the two guys came in and started making fun of her,” he said, referring to one of the women. “She didn’t respond, but seemed to know the two men.”
“But this guy didn’t want to fight. He wanted to kill me,” Rudat added, describing one of the attackers.
Majd reportedly fled the scene on a rented scooter but was apprehended by police about half a mile away.
In response to the incident, U.S. officials have called on Germany to take firmer action. Richard Grenell, President Trump’s Special Envoy for Special Missions, posted on social media platform X, saying, “Chancellor Merz needs to understand that people are fed up with weak, woke reactions.”
The investigation into the assault is ongoing.