New York City, New York – Renowned actor Michael Stuhlbarg was the victim of a random attack by a homeless man near Central Park on the Upper East Side. The incident occurred on Sunday evening, where the actor was walking in the upscale neighborhood when Xavier Israel, 27, threw a rock at him, hitting him in the back of the neck.
Stuhlbarg, 55, suffered minor injuries from the attack but managed to chase down Israel to the Russian consulate at East 91st Street. Law enforcement officers stationed outside of the consulate were able to apprehend Israel, who was subsequently charged with assault. Despite being offered medical attention, Stuhlbarg declined treatment on the scene.
Israel, the homeless assailant, had a history of violence prior to this incident, having been arrested for two assaults and a robbery in January 2022. One of the assaults involved attacking a Good Samaritan who offered him help during freezing temperatures. The surveillance footage captured the disturbing incident where Israel assaulted the man, stole his wallet, and fled the scene.
In another incident from the same month, Israel targeted a 49-year-old woman who attempted to assist him, as well as two 18-year-olds in Central Park. Despite these criminal actions, Israel did not have any previous or subsequent criminal record outside of the events in January 2022.
Stuhlbarg, known for his roles in Boardwalk Empire and films like A Serious Man, Lincoln, and Steve Jobs, is a decorated actor with awards like Screen Actors Guild Awards and nominations for Primetime Emmys, a Tony Award, and a Golden Globe. The attack on Stuhlbarg sheds light on the vulnerability faced by individuals, even those in the public eye, to senseless acts of violence on the streets.