Crime in the New York City has been out of control for years, but when the victim is a major celebrity, the underlying issue is worth a second look.
That’s exactly what happened this week on the streets of the Big Apple, as reported by the New York Post:
It seems no one is safe on the streets of the Big Apple these days – not even beloved hometown actor and Brooklyn native Steve Buscemi.
Buscemi, 66, was strolling through Kips Bay last week when a brute walked up and struck the “Boardwalk Empire” star in a broad-daylight attack – one of the latest unprovoked assaults in the five boroughs, law enforcement sources told The Post.
The actor suffered swelling to his face and left eye and was taken to Bellevue Hospital for treatment.
Meanwhile, his deranged assailant took off and is still on the lam, police sources said.
“Steve Buscemi was assaulted in Mid-Town Manhattan, another victim of a random act of violence in the city,” Buscemi’s publicist said in a statement to The Post.
“He is ok and appreciates everyone’s well wishes, though incredibly sad for everyone that this has happened to while also walking the streets of New York.”
Cops said the random attack happened around 11:48 a.m. on Wednesday in front of 369 Third Ave.
The startling news sparked widespread discussion on social media:
I don't know who punched Steve Buscemi but we hunting em down.
No respect for a king
New York, get your shit together pic.twitter.com/5z1KmJeRoV
— VanillaGorilla (@Van1llaGorilla_) May 12, 2024
Me hearing somebody punched Steve Buscemi pic.twitter.com/iqVlfkgHuf
— Lamont Price (@LPizzle) May 12, 2024
Saddened to hear that some thug randomly assaulted Steve Buscemi in New York. He’s been left badly bruised but will be ok.
I’m going to balance things up by reminding you of that time he handed out candy to trick or treaters on Halloween dressed like this.
What a guy. pic.twitter.com/7S70Srgs98— Tom Reagan’s Hat (@RufusTSuperfly) May 12, 2024
While we await the Steve buscemi attacker video
I think it’s informative to remember who randomly attacked actor Rick Moranis while was peacefully walking around nyc
— TheXReportCard (@TheXReportCard) May 12, 2024
As Yahoo noted, Buscemi is hardly the only high-profile victim of random violence in the city:
The broad-daylight attack is just one of the celebrity incidents that have happened over the last few years. Comic actor Rick Moranis, Michael Stuhlbarg (who was in the show Boardwalk Empirewith Buscemi), and reality star Bethenny Frankel are among those similarly victimized.
Buscemi had a swollen left eye and face from his attack and was taken to Bellevue Hospital for treatment.
His assailant ran off and is still being sought.
Here’s some additional coverage of the developing story:
Join the conversation!
Please share your thoughts about this article below. We value your opinions, and would love to see you add to the discussion!