Following the release of one suspect from custody, an American tourist who was attacked while trying to protect two women on a German streetcar spoke out about the “immigration issue” in Europe.
John Rudut, a 21-year-old model from New York, posted a candid video on Instagram just hours after the incident, discussing European immigration policies.
“If you don’t think Europe has an immigration problem, especially in Germany, then perhaps it’s time to reconsider your perspective,” Rudut said in his video, recorded just before midnight. One suspect was released after authorities found no evidence connecting him to the stabbing.
Rudut expressed that the release of some individuals was due to their lack of German or EU citizenship.
“He doesn’t belong here. He’s an illegal immigrant, involved with drugs, and is well-known to the police,” he claimed.
Citizenship can significantly affect immigration cases and tourist detentions, influenced by various elements like the origin of the individual and the seriousness of the alleged crime.
Rudut mentioned that immigrants have been detained multiple times for similar offenses, particularly involving attempts to assault women.
“If they can commit such acts and be released within 12 hours or even less, where is the law?” he lamented. “If Germans are bound by these laws, can these individuals just walk in, wield knives, and act with no fear of consequence?”
During an interview on Monday, Rudut was asked about his remarks and shifted his focus to frame the incident as a broader issue of “violence.”
“Germans and German citizens have largely been quiet about these occurrences. There’s a political implication that often overshadows the real issues,” he noted. “It wasn’t about anyone’s skin color or race for me; it was about women being harassed and assaulted.”
“This issue of violence goes beyond political affiliations. We all need to recognize it for what it is, regardless of our party lines.”
The US Embassy in Germany urged local authorities to find the suspects involved in the attack. “We call on the German authorities to ensure that the perpetrators are captured and held accountable fully under the law. Safety is a shared responsibility; no one can be considered safe until everyone is safe,” the embassy stated.
