Overview
- Thomas Fahmy, a staffer in Rep. Nicole Malliotakis’ Staten Island office, was hit by lightning near his home on Aug. 27 and collapsed on the sidewalk as captured by a doorbell camera.
- Footage shows Fahmy remain conscious, struggle with intense burning, tingling and numbness especially in his feet, then walk to a nearby house to call for help.
- A neighbor, Stephanie Homan, called 911 and FDNY crews transported Fahmy to Northwell Staten Island University Hospital, where he was monitored overnight and released the next day with no visible burns.
- Rep. Malliotakis publicly thanked the Good Samaritan and medical staff, and local and national outlets have circulated the video while interviewing Fahmy about his experience.
- Authorities and health agencies note direct strikes are rare but survivable in most cases and the incident has renewed reminders to seek sturdy indoor shelter and avoid carrying metal conductors during thunderstorms.