MANHATTAN, NEW YORK: A mother was left devastated when her 25-year-old daughter, a Manhattan EMT was brutally attacked while responding to an emergency call. The assailant, Rudolph Garcia, 48, had a lengthy violent criminal record, leaving Julia Fatum's mother questioning how he was free to carry out such a vicious act against her daughter.
The incident occurred when Fatum and her team picked up Garcia, who was suffering from a cardiac arrest, only for him to turn on her with a kitchen knife inside the ambulance. The attack left Julia with multiple stab wounds, sparking concerns about the safety of frontline workers and the handling of mentally disturbed individuals with violent histories.
Who is Julia Fatum?
Julia Fatum is an NYC EMT, driven by her passion for healthcare and helping others. After graduating from Pace University in 2020, she joined the ranks of frontline responders, providing timely medical assistance to those in need. On July 19, while responding to an emergency call, she was tragically stabbed by a mentally disturbed man she was trying to assist.
Garcia viciously attacked Fatum with a kitchen knife, inflicting severe stab wounds to her arm, leg, and abdomen, per Daily Mail. Disturbing video footage captured Fatum in agony, writhing on the ground outside the ambulance, while Garcia seemed confused about the events, stating, "I don't know what happened." Her colleague intervened, shouting, "You stabbed her, bro!"
'New York has failed its people'
After enduring multiple surgeries, Fatum was released from the hospital on Wednesday, July 26. Fatum's mother, Cara, is rightfully questioning how Garcia, with his extensive criminal history, was allowed to roam freely and carry out such a violent act against her daughter, who was simply doing her duty as an EMT. "Fact: Rouldoph “Rudy” Garcia, 48 of Bronx NY has eight prior arrests, including criminal possession of a weapon, assault, menacing with a weapon, drugs, burglary & assault on a police officer. He has been released back into civilization 8 times. New York has failed its people. How is your bail reform working?" she wrote on Facebook.
A GoFundMe campaign has been set up for Fatum to support her during her recovery. The campaign has seen an overwhelming response, with donors contributing more than $43,000, surpassing the initial goal of $35,000. Despite facing a long road to recovery, Fatum was greeted with cheers and support as she left the hospital on Wednesday. Her mother told ABC 7, "I'm overwhelmed, I can't believe there are so many people who can to see the value in her." She said her daughter would continue pursuing her dream of becoming a nurse. "I don't think Julia is ever worried about anything, she's tough, takes on the world," Cara said. "If this makes a difference in the safety of her fellow EMTs. I know that she would do it all over again."
On Wednesday, Fatum took to Facebook to express her heartfelt gratitude, thanking everyone for their overwhelming support. "My hope for the future is that the workplace becomes safer for us all," she wrote. "Many people have asked me if I am done with healthcare and with NYC. This incident has shown me the community we have within EMS in NYC and it is incredibly inspiring. It reminded me why I fell in love with EMS here 3 years ago. Watching my colleagues rush to my side compassionately, competently, and in the face of danger has only further solidified my desire to progress my career in healthcare. I refuse to let these individuals who try to hurt us change my personality or life plan."
