Syrian Suspect Released in Dresden Tram Stabbing, American Good Samaritan Recovering

Dresden, Germany – An American citizen was seriously injured in a knife attack early Sunday morning after intervening to protect female passengers from harassment on a tram in Dresden. The 21-year-old American suffered multiple knife wounds to his face but is in stable condition. German authorities arrested a 21-year-old Syrian national in connection with the incident, but he was later released, with police continuing their search for the primary assailant.

The incident occurred around 12:25 a.m. on Sunday when the American man stepped in after two individuals began harassing female passengers on tram line 7 near the Goldener Reiter stop, according to Saxony police. During the ensuing altercation, one of the perpetrators attacked the American with a knife. Photos from the scene published by German media showed blood on the tram floor, indicating the severity of the attack.

Police quickly apprehended one suspect, identified as a Syrian national named "Majid A," less than half a mile from the scene. However, the Dresden public prosecutor's office decided to release him later that Sunday. Chief Public Prosecutor Jürgen Schmidt stated that "there were insufficient grounds for detention," and "the knife attack cannot be attributed to him," as reported by Bild. The suspect reportedly has a prior record for offenses including grievous bodily harm, robbery, and illegal entry.

Authorities are now intensifying their search for a second man, believed to be the individual who inflicted the knife wounds, who remains at large. Police are reviewing surveillance footage from the tram and have urged witnesses to come forward with any information. Both suspects are under investigation for grievous bodily harm.

The incident has drawn attention to public safety and immigration discussions in Germany, with some commentators linking it to broader concerns about knife crime. The American victim is recovering in a local hospital, with his injuries described as serious but not life-threatening. The investigation into the full circumstances of the attack is ongoing.