Thomas Fahmy, a congressional staffer for Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), was struck by lightning while walking to a dentist appointment in Staten Island's Castleton Corners neighborhood during a storm. Doorbell camera footage captured the moment: a flash and thunderclap as Fahmy, carrying an umbrella, collapsed to the ground. He described intense burning, tingling, numbness, and severe pain in both feet.
After lying on the ground for several moments, Fahmy called out for help. A neighbor, Stefanie Homan, heard him and let him into her yard while calling an ambulance. He was taken to Staten Island University Hospital and, remarkably, suffered no burns despite the pain. Fahmy later attended church to give thanks and bought a Mega Millions lottery ticket afterward. Malliotakis praised the neighbor and hospital staff who assisted her "valued" staff member.
