Stabbed Staten Islander lucky to be alive after Italian migrant attack

A recent incident in Milan, Italy, has shed light on the growing migrant crisis in the country, as a Staten Island native, Nick Pellegrino, was attacked and nearly killed by two North African migrants while on vacation. The attackers stabbed Pellegrino in the neck with a 5-inch knife, leaving him in a pool of his own blood before fleeing with his belongings. Pellegrino, who was visiting friends and family in Italy, described the lax immigration laws in the country as a playground for terror, where immigrants are running amok and committing violent crimes.

The attack took place on a train from Melegnano to Milan Bovisa when the assailants approached Pellegrino and stabbed him in the neck, narrowly missing his jugular vein. Pellegrino, a former teacher at Monsignor Farrell High School in Oakwood, managed to stumble off the train and onto the platform, where a bystander called for help. He lost a significant amount of blood and was rushed to the hospital, where surgeons closed the wound with nine stitches.

The attackers were later arrested by Italian authorities, but their identities have not been released. Prior to attacking Pellegrino, they had assaulted an elderly man and stolen from an old woman. The incident has highlighted the surge in migrant arrivals in Italy, with over 157,600 undocumented migrants and asylum seekers crossing the Mediterranean Sea to reach the country in 2023.

Despite the traumatic experience, Pellegrino remains steadfast in his faith, crediting his survival to a higher power. He plans to make a full recovery and return to the United States on his scheduled flight. However, the incident has taken a toll on his family, particularly his mother, who has been understandably shaken by the news.

The attack on Nick Pellegrino serves as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by the migrant crisis in Italy and the need for stricter immigration policies to ensure the safety of residents and visitors alike. The incident has left Pellegrino grateful for his survival and more resolute in his beliefs, emphasizing the importance of faith in times of adversity.