Six months ago Mamoudou Gassama, 22, was back in his home country of
Mali, dreaming of following in the footsteps of many of his countrymen
to build a new life in Paris. Now, the undocumented immigrant is being
hailed as a hero, and will today meet the President amid calls for him
to receive his papers and be allowed to officially settle in France.
It all started on Saturday afternoon, as Mamoudou was walking home
from the famous Gare du Nord railway station. He came across a panicked
crowd of people, looking on with terror as a 4-year-old boy was dangling
precariously from a balcony, four storeys up. Without a thought for his
personal safety, Mamoudou leapt into action and began to climb the
building with incredible ease, something which has earned him the
nickname ‘spiderman.’
Speaking to Le Parisien, Mamoudou explained what was going through
his mind during his daring rescue. “I did not think of the floors, I did
not think of the risk,” he said. “I did it because it’s a child. I
really like children.”
In addition to a personal ‘merci’ from President Macron, Mamoudou
also received congratulations from the Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, who
posted on Twitter: “Congratulations to Mamoudou Gassama for his brave
act that helped save a child’s life last night. I had the pleasure to
talk with him today by phone, to thank him warmly.”
It seems like Mamoudou’s selfless act has endeared him to the French
nation, and will go a long way toward helping him settle in the country.
“He explained to me that he arrived from Mali a few months ago while
dreaming of building his life here,” Hidalgo also explained. “I replied
that his heroic gesture is an example for all citizens and that the City
of Paris will obviously be keen to support him in his efforts to settle
in France.”
Scroll down to check out the amazing video for yourself, and let us know what you think in the comments!
This Malian man recently became the hero of the day
When he came across a panicked crowd of people, looking on
with terror as a 4-year-old boy was dangling precariously from a balcony
Four storeys up
Mamoudou leapt into action and began to climb the building
with incredible ease, something which has earned him the nickname
‘spiderman’
“I did not think of the floors, I did not think of the risk”
“I did it because it’s a child”
“I really like children”
His heroic act of bravery has endeared him to the French nation
Watch the whole video to see the crowd cheering him
https://www.facebook.com/BiboLOfficiel/videos/10214337551744958/?t=36
After the video went viral, even the president wants to meet him
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