In a recent incident that has left New Yorkers shocked, renowned actor and Brooklyn native Steve Buscemi was assaulted in broad daylight in Kips Bay.
The 66-year-old actor, known for his roles in "Boardwalk Empire," "Fargo," and "Reservoir Dogs," was attacked by an unidentified individual, marking yet another unprovoked assault in the city, according to law enforcement sources.
Buscemi sustained injuries to his face and left eye during the assault and was subsequently taken to Bellevue Hospital for treatment. The assailant, described as deranged by police sources, fled the scene and remains at large.
In a statement to The Post, Buscemi's publicist confirmed the incident, stating, "Steve Buscemi was assaulted in Mid-Town Manhattan, another victim of a random act of violence in the city." The publicist added that while Buscemi is doing well and appreciates the outpouring of concern, he is deeply saddened that such incidents are happening in New York City.
The assault occurred around 11:48 a.m. on Wednesday in front of 369 Third Ave. A local worker, who witnessed part of the incident, told The Post, "I saw he was with a woman, and then through the corner of the window I saw him trip and fall backwards. He right away got up and ran in the opposite direction. I didnt see who hit him."
The New York Police Department (NYPD) has released surveillance photos of the alleged attacker, who is described as a bearded man wearing a baseball cap, a blue t-shirt, and black sweatpants.
Buscemi, a former FDNY firefighter, has had a successful movie career spanning four decades. He received widespread acclaim for his role as corrupt Atlantic City politician Enoch Nucky Thompson in the hit HBO series Boardwalk Empire.
This incident marks the second time this year that an actor from "Boardwalk Empire" has fallen victim to random street violence in New York City. On March 31, actor Michael Stuhlbarg, who played gangster Arnold Rothstein on the show, was assaulted while out for a run on the Upper East Side.
The NYPD arrested Xavier Israel, 27, a homeless man with a history of assault and robbery, in connection with Stuhlbarg's assault. Stuhlbarg reportedly chased his attacker into the hands of police stationed outside the Russian Consulate.
While the search for Buscemi's attacker continues, the actor remains a beloved figure in his native New York. He is remembered for rushing to the site of the World Trade Center following the 9/11 terror attacks to assist his former fire company, Engine 55.
The Emmy Award-winning actor, who served as one of New York's Bravest in the 1980s, continues to be an active member of his community. In 2021, he dressed up as a character from the hit show 30 Rock to distribute Halloween candy to children from a stoop in Park Slope.
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