American Model Stabbed While Protecting Women on German Tram in Dresden

John Rudat was reportedly assaulted in the city of Dresden

An American model and paramedic was left with severe stab wounds after being attacked while defending two women on a tram in Dresden, Germany. The incident occurred on Sunday, when 21-year-old John Rudat, from upstate New York, intervened as two men harassed female passengers.

Rudat suffered a deep facial wound in the knife assault and underwent extensive surgery in Germany. Disturbing images shared afterward showed him with bloodied bandages and tissues covering his face.

He was in Germany to visit his former foreign exchange host family

Police confirmed that one of the suspects, a 21-year-old Syrian national, was arrested but later released due to lack of evidence. The second suspect remains at large as authorities continue the investigation.

Rudat, who was visiting his former foreign exchange host family in Germany, expressed frustration over the legal process. In a social media video, he criticized the release of the suspect, questioning the enforcement of law and order. He later clarified in an interview that the incident should be seen as an issue of violence and public safety, rather than one of race or nationality.

Rudat, who is also a paramedic, stepped in to defend the women from two attackers

“It wasn’t about anyone’s skin color or race,” Rudat said. “The problem was that a woman was being harassed and assaulted, and I stepped in to help.”

A GoFundMe fundraiser launched by his brother’s girlfriend, Molly Sheldon, has raised more than $45,000 of its $70,000 goal to support his recovery. She wrote that Rudat now faces a difficult road physically, emotionally, and financially as he heals from the brutal attack.

The U.S. Embassy in Berlin strongly condemned the assault, urging German authorities to swiftly capture the remaining suspect and hold those responsible fully accountable.