Belfast hero who fought Sudanese migrant as he tried to behead victim named

A courageous bystander who was caught on camera fighting off a Sudanese migrant as he attempted to behead his victim on the streets of the United Kingdom has been hailed as a hero. The man behind the heroic act has been identified as Matt McKiernan, 32, who was filmed using an Irish wooden hurling stick to defend a stranger during the shocking attacks that took place in Belfast, Northern Ireland on Monday night.

The graphic video footage captured the knifeman, an unidentified Sudanese migrant, pinning his victim to the ground and repeatedly stabbing him. The bystander, who was later revealed to be McKiernan, can be seen swinging the hurling stick as he bravely intervenes in the terrifying situation.

McKiernan recounted the events leading up to the incident, stating that he and a friend were on their way to a gas station when they came across the disturbing scene. His friend, who had training in Brazilian jujitsu, initially approached the pair to separate them. As they got closer, they noticed the knife in the attacker’s hand, described as a serrated steak knife with a broken handle. The attacker was heard shouting threats and ultimately stabbed the victim in the eye.

In a moment of instinctive bravery, McKiernan grabbed his son’s hurling stick from the trunk of his car and rushed to confront the knifeman. With the help of his friend Andre, he managed to force the attacker to drop his weapon and retreat before the authorities arrived on the scene.

The heart-pounding video footage of the incident quickly circulated on social media, sparking admiration for McKiernan’s courageous actions. A GoFundMe campaign was launched to show appreciation for his bravery, with donations pouring in to buy him a well-deserved pint.

The attacker, who had traveled from Sudan to Paris and then Dublin before arriving in Belfast in February 2023, had claimed asylum upon reaching the United Kingdom and was granted leave to remain for five years. Following the harrowing attack, he was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

The victim, a man in his 40s, sustained critical injuries including significant eye damage and wounds to his face, neck, and back. He was rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent medical treatment.

McKiernan’s swift and selfless actions in the face of danger have earned him widespread praise and admiration, with many commending his bravery in a moment of crisis. The community has rallied around him, recognizing his heroism and willingness to intervene to protect others.