Doorbell video shows Staten Island congressional staffer struck by lightning, survives

A Staten Island man named Thomas Fahmy, a congressional staffer for Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, was struck by lightning just steps from his car while walking to a dentist appointment, with doorbell camera footage capturing the moment. He stayed conscious and described an intense burning sensation, tingling and pain in his feet, before being taken to Northwell Staten Island University Hospital for overnight observation. Doctors found no burns or major injuries, and he was released the following day, a survival many described as remarkable. Fahmy told reporters the experience gave him a renewed appreciation for life and he later attended church, hoping to move forward with gratitude. Malliotakis and other supporters praised the emergency responders and noted his service and recovery, highlighting the human and political dimensions of the incident. Reports across outlets also note that while lightning strikes can be dangerous, a large majority of victims survive with proper care, underscoring Fahmy’s unusual but non-fatal outcome.