American religious studies teacher survives horrific migrant attack while vacationing in Italy
Share and Follow

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

A former high school track star and current San Francisco religion teacher was brutally attacked while vacationing in Italy earlier this month. 

Nicholas Pellegrino, who teaches religious studies and Spanish at Archbishop Riordan High School, according to the school’s website, was attacked by three individuals on a train just south of Milan on July 15.

“I would look up, and they would look away, but then they’d continue to look back and eye me out,” Pellegrino recounted to the Staten Island Advance.

He said he suspected the men “were up to no good.” Pellegrino said he had his head down for just a moment when the men suddenly charged at him, stabbing him in the neck during the struggle and taking his luggage. 

Nicholas Pellegrino, 29

Nicholas Pellegrino, a religion teacher, survived a violent attack on an Italian train, where assailants stabbed his neck and stole his luggage, passport and gold cross.  (Nick Pellegrino Facebook)

The San Francisco Chronicle reported that four suspects from Morocco and Tunisia were arrested several hours later at another train station about an hour from the crime scene. Authorities believe these same individuals may also be connected to a separate assault on a taxi driver and possibly another attempted robbery on a train.

After several days in the hospital, Pellegrino was released. Though his personal belongings were lost, he remains deeply thankful.

“My life from this day forward is a miracle,” he told the Staten Island Advance. “I’ve been saved by the right hand of the almighty Father.”

According to the Staten Island Advance, Pellegrino taught Italian and served as a track and field coach at Monsignor Farrell High School in the Oakwood section of Staten Island, New York, from 2017 to 2022. 

He is also an alumnus of Farrell, where he was referred to as a “standout athlete on the track team.” 

Stepheny Price is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. She covers topics including missing persons, homicides, national crime cases, illegal immigration, and more. Story tips and ideas can be sent to stepheny.price@fox.com

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Candles burn around a poem written by Renee Good during a vigil honoring her on Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, in St. Paul, Minn., outside the Minnesota State Capitol. (Kerem Yücel/Minnesota Public Radio via AP)

New Hampshire Bishop Urges Clergy to Brace for ‘New Era of Martyrdom’ in Stark Warning

In a poignant and stirring call to action, Bishop Rob Hirschfeld of…
Jennifer Lopez's 'rude' Glambot moment explained by Cole Walliser

Cole Walliser Sheds Light on Jennifer Lopez’s Awkward Glambot Incident

Jennifer Lopez recently found herself at the center of controversy, accused of…
Minnesota National Guard 'on standby' ahead of weekend protests

DOJ Pledges Legal Action Following Activists’ Disruption at Minnesota Church Led by ICE Official Pastor

A video capturing a protest at Cities Church in St. Paul reveals…
World Economic Forum invites Iranian foreign minister to Davos after regime slaughter of Iranian civilians

World Economic Forum Extends Invitation to Iranian Foreign Minister for Davos Summit Amidst Concerns Over Civilian Casualties

The World Economic Forum (WEF) is under pressure to exclude Iranian regime…
Teen charged as adult after fleeing deputies investigating St. Johns County boy's kidnapping

Teen Faces Adult Charges After Fleeing Authorities in St. Johns County Kidnapping Case

Authorities are currently investigating whether 15-year-old Junior Bishop played a role in…
Environmental groups announce lawsuit to list horseshoe crabs as endangered

Conservationists Take Legal Action to Protect Horseshoe Crabs from Extinction

A recent lawsuit asserts that safeguarding horseshoe crabs in the United States…
Horror moment Broncos quarterback Bo Nix suffers broken ankle

Broncos Quarterback Bo Nix Experiences Gruesome Ankle Fracture During Game

CBS’s coverage of the Denver Broncos’ thrilling playoff victory against the Buffalo…
Kristi Yamaguchi reflects on 1992 gold as she looks ahead to Milan Cortina

Kristi Yamaguchi Remembers 1992 Gold Triumph While Eyeing Future at Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics

Renowned figure skating legend Kristi Yamaguchi shares her Olympic experiences and insights…