Naveed Aslam, a 39-year-old Saudi-born Pakistani courier living in Brescia, Italy, has been honored for risking his life to save two children from a violent attacker in a public park.
In recognition of his courage, Brescia Mayor Laura Castelletti presented Aslam with a civic plaque during a ceremony at Palazzo Loggia, praising his “heartfelt and courageous gesture.” The Pakistani community also hailed his actions as a source of national pride.
The incident occurred on June 19 when a 29-year-old man, reportedly under house arrest and experiencing a drug-induced psychiatric episode, attacked children playing in the park.
He first grabbed a four-year-old Egyptian boy by the neck, prompting Aslam to intervene and free the child. Moments later, the attacker targeted a seven-year-old boy, knocking him to the ground and twisting his arm.
Despite having a cardiac pacemaker implanted just three months earlier, Aslam ignored concerns for his own safety and wrestled the attacker to the ground.
He restrained the man for nearly 20 minutes until police arrived, enduring repeated punches and elbow strikes as the suspect resisted arrest. Aslam later said no bystanders stepped in to help.
