New York City actor Steve Buscemi was reportedly assaulted by a stranger while walking in Manhattan on May 8th, resulting in his hospitalization. The 66-year-old star of popular shows like Boardwalk Empire and Fargo was punched in the face by an unidentified individual, causing bruising, swelling, and bleeding to his left eye. Fortunately, Buscemi’s publicist assured the public that despite the incident, the actor was in overall good condition.
Following the attack, a 50-year-old homeless man was arrested on Friday on charges of second-degree assault in connection to the incident involving Buscemi. The arrest took place in the same precinct where the assault occurred. Authorities had been searching for the suspect since identifying him earlier in the week.
The actor’s publicist, who previously labeled Buscemi as a victim of random violence in the city, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. This incident is not the first involving a cast member of Boardwalk Empire, as Buscemi’s co-star Michael Stuhlbarg was also targeted in Central Park months prior.
It remains unclear if the homeless man facing assault charges has legal representation at this time. Efforts to reach out to the local public defender’s office for comment were unsuccessful, reflecting a possible lack of available information or response to inquiries.
As both Buscemi and Stuhlbarg encountered violence while in the city, concerns surrounding safety and security in public spaces may become more prominent. Such incidents underline the importance of addressing safety measures and potential risks faced by individuals, especially those in the public eye. The impact of these events extends beyond the actors themselves, highlighting broader issues of safety and security within urban environments.