Gofundme set up for American assault victim raises over €80,000

A gofundme set up in aid of an American tourist who was assaulted in Dublin last week has raised over €80,000.

The online fundraiser was created to raise funds for Stephen Termini, a 57-year-old originating from Buffalo, New York.  He is believed to have been assaulted by a group of youths on Store Street in the North inner city on the night of Wednesday July 19 last week.

He was attacked soon after leaving his accommodation on nearby Talbot Street.

“The brutal attack has left my father in a coma after suffering various injuries,” said Mike Rizzuto, organiser of the gofundme and Termini’s son. “He is currently in critical condition with what I am told are life altering injuries.”

"My brother had been working at a galvanizing plant, saving every penny to afford the trip. He had always dreamed of visiting Ireland,” said Michelle Termini, Stephen’s sister.

On Thursday, justice minister Helen McEntee said the attack "must be condemned in the strongest terms".

"There can be no excuse for such violence and intimidation, and I fully understand the concerns of the local community,” she said in a statement. "A tough and firm response will send out the message that we will not tolerate this thuggery on our streets."

A teenager is currently being detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 at a Garda station in North Dublin.

Termini is currently receiving treatment in Beaumont Hospital.