Immigrant delivery driver saves mom and child from knife attack in Ireland, uses fame to shine light on immigrant rights
Witnessing a man attack a woman and child with a knife, I had no time to feel bravery or fear. Hurriedly, I intervened and hit the attacker with my helmet, knocking him down. The emergency response team arrived within minutes to transport the wounded to the hospital. Amid the turmoil, I trembled in shock, with thoughts of my own family overwhelming me.
- 3 months ago
August 27, 2024
Caio Benicio, a Brazilian immigrant in Dublin, Ireland who bravely intervened in a knife attack in November 2023 while working as a delivery driver, now advocates for migrants. | Photo courtesy of Caio Benicio
DUBLIN, Ireland — On November 23, 2023, I began my day like any other. I loaded my bike for delivery, pulled on my helmet, and mapped my course to Santry in the north of Dublin. The Irish winter usually brings cold, wet, and windy conditions that make my job challenging. However, that afternoon, the weather turned pleasant and mild.
After completing a routine order, I drove back to the center of Dublin City, passing through Parnell Street. There, I saw a woman and a child struggling with an attacker wielding a knife. Horrified, I pulled over on my bike for a closer look and realized they were being stabbed. Reacting to the situation, I unclasped my helmet to use as a weapon and defend myself against the aggressor. I hit him with my helmet, knocking him to the ground. Responding promptly, the public nearby encircled him and called emergency services.
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Man saves woman and child from violent knife attack
In Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, I owned a restaurant. It became the center of my life and livelihood. Tragically, a catastrophic fire erupted and rapidly consumed the entire restaurant. The inferno destroyed our hard work and dreams, leaving us with nothing. The COVID-19 Pandemic further worsened our financial situation, compelling me to seek opportunities abroad.
After careful research, I chose Ireland as it offered the best chance to turn our fortunes around. In January 2023, I secured a visa to Ireland and relocated to Dublin to rebuild my life. Fortunately, soon after, I found a job as a Deliveroo driver [a British online food delivery company].
Ten months later, in November, I encountered one of the most heroic and emotional moments of my life. Witnessing a man attack a woman and child with a knife, I had no time to feel bravery or fear. Hurriedly, I intervened and hit the attacker with my helmet, knocking him down. The emergency response team arrived within minutes to transport the wounded to the hospital. Amid the turmoil, I trembled in shock, with thoughts of my own family overwhelming me. I wanted to get home to see my wife and kids unharmed.
However, The Gardaí [the national police and security service of Ireland] spoke to me, and I went with them to give my statement. They gave me some medicine to calm my nerves. When I returned home, I learned about the chaos that unfolded in Dublin that night. Friends in my WhatsApp groups informed me about violent rioting and looting that broke out in the city. When I turned on the news, I learned that the harrowing event began as an anti-immigrant protest. As an immigrant who just helped that day, I struggled to process and make sense of it all.
Brazilian immigrant’s heroic act in Dublin sparks global praise and political opportunity
The next morning, newspapers showcased my picture with bold headlines. Journalists from Ireland and abroad contacted me for interviews. Then, I understood the impact of my actions from the previous day, particularly for immigrants in Dublin. In the days following the attack, both Irish people and immigrants approached me on the street to hug me and thank me for what I did. Amid the intense attack, I believe, anyone would have acted similarly. I happened to be in the right place at the right time. As a father myself, I instinctively want to protect children in danger.
The Irish people, deeply ashamed of the riots, rejected the anti-immigrant sentiment. They expressed kindness and gratitude, emphasizing their commitment to unity and support for others. Through their GoFundMe campaign for me, they showed the world that they, as a whole, do not represent a small minority.
Once, a journalist wrote a story with the headline “Dublin stab hero flies home to Rio on a one-way ticket,” accusing me of taking the GoFundMe money and fleeing home. This accusation made me uncomfortable. I proved the claim wrong. When I arrived, the Brazilian ambassador to Ireland asked if I would be interested in running in the local elections in Ireland. He introduced me to members of the Fianna Fáil party, and shortly after, I formed a strong friendship with Senator Mary Fitzpatrick. She encouraged me to run as a candidate. I knew I was unprepared for the public position due to my lack of experience. Nevertheless, the party convinced me that my voice could make a difference and help many people.
Man advocates for immigrants and drives positive change
Determined, I pledge to support the community and foster positive change through politics. Although I did not win the local election, I do not need to hold office to fight for what I believe in. I aim to demonstrate that hardworking immigrants play a crucial role in society.
Since then, I have collaborated with the Brazilian embassy in Dublin to help people secure employment before they arrive in Ireland. Many hardworking immigrants in Ireland pay taxes and contribute to the economy, and not all of them come to claim government benefits.
Growing anti-immigrant sentiments are not just an Irish problem; they represent a global issue. Equally, the recent horrific events in Southport, England broke my heart. It is devastating to see history repeating itself with innocent children being attacked.
Despite losing 20 years of hard work in a fire in just 20 minutes, I never stopped believing and supporting my family. My fortunes have changed, and I attribute this to my refusal to give up. Using my voice, I now advocate for the immigrant community in Ireland. This is the message I want to spread.
