Family of assaulted US tourist say they ‘never expected any of this’ as they arrive in Dublin

The sons of Stephen Termini, the US tourist seriously assaulted in Dublin last week, have arrived in Ireland.

Michael and Jesse Rizzuto landed at Dublin Airport on Thursday morning, where they were met by a Garda liaison officer who drove them to Beaumont hospital to visit their father (57), who remains in an induced coma.

Jesse Rizzuto said they were here to find out how their father is doing. He also expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from the Irish people, saying they “never expected any of this”.

A GoFundMe appeal established to assist Mr Termini and his family aimed to raise $10,000 (€9,000) but had generated more than $120,000 by Thursday. Many of the messages left by donors were from Irish people expressing their disgust at the attack and passing on their best wishes. Mr Termini’s family have expressed surprise and gratitude for the support they have received.

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His sister, Michelle, said she had no concerns about her brother travelling to Ireland, as he had done so several times before. The galvanising plant worker had saved up to make the latest trip and wanted to trace his Irish roots, she said.

The family fear Mr Termini “may lose one of his eyes and suffer lifelong disability” due to his injuries.

Three teenage boys have been charged in connection with the incident at the Children’s Court.

It appears that Mr Termini, from Buffalo, New York, had just left his accommodation when he was assaulted.

The incident has led to renewed debate around policing, crime and perceptions of safety in central Dublin.

While Garda numbers nationally have fallen from a peak of 14,750 in March 2020 to just under 14,000, Minister for Justice Helen McEntee has said recruitment is under way and that the streets of Dublin are safe.

The US embassy in Dublin issued a warning to American citizens, urging them to “exercise good personal security practices” while travelling in Ireland.