American Model Slashed in Face Protecting Women in Germany

On August 24, 2025, in Dresden, Germany, a 21-year-old American model and paramedic, John Rudat, was violently attacked on a tram after intervening to protect two women from harassment. The assailant, a 21-year-old Syrian immigrant, allegedly slashed Rudat’s face, severely injuring his nose and requiring extensive surgery. The incident occurred early Sunday morning when Rudat confronted two men harassing women on the tram. After attempting to de-escalate the situation, one of the men attacked Rudat with a knife, leaving him with a deep facial wound. A GoFundMe page described Rudat as a “kind, selfless soul” and hailed him as a hero for his bravery.

German police initially arrested the Syrian suspect but released him due to insufficient grounds for detention. However, on August 26, authorities re-arrested him, and he is now in pre-trial detention as investigations continue.