A homeless man, Clifton Williams, has been arrested in connection with the sucker punch attack on actor Steve Buscemi in Manhattan last week. Buscemi, known for his roles in "Boardwalk Empire" and "The Sopranos," suffered a black eye and bleeding in the ambush.
New York City - The New York Police Department (NYPD) has arrested a suspect in connection with the sucker punch attack on actor Steve Buscemi in Manhattan last week. Clifton Williams, 50, has been charged with second-degree assault.
Buscemi, 66, suffered a black eye and bleeding in the May 8 ambush on Third Avenue. According to the NYPD, the suspect approached Buscemi from behind and punched him in the face without provocation.
Surveillance footage released by the NYPD showed Williams in a blue shirt and sweatpants carrying a backpack near the scene of the crime. Police sources said Williams changed his appearance and fled Manhattan after the attack.
Buscemi was treated at a hospital and returned to work on a film set in the city with a black eye hidden behind sunglasses. A motive for the attack has not been disclosed.
A spokesperson for Buscemi told Fox News Digital that the actor is "ok and appreciates everyone's well wishes." The spokesperson added that Buscemi is "incredibly sad for everyone that this has happened to while also walking the streets of NY."
The attack on Buscemi is the latest in a string of random and violent incidents in New York City. In March, another "Boardwalk Empire" star, Michael Stulhbarg, was also attacked at random in Manhattan when someone threw a rock at him from behind.
Stulhbarg detained his own assailant until the NYPD arrived. In a statement, Stulhbarg said he was "grateful to the NYPD for their quick response and for the support of my community."
The NYPD has been criticized for its handling of crime in the city, with critics arguing that the department is not doing enough to prevent and solve violent incidents. Mayor Eric Adams has vowed to crack down on crime, but critics argue that more needs to be done to address the root causes of violence.
Buscemi's attack has raised concerns about the safety of city residents and visitors, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has led to increased unemployment, poverty, and mental health issues, which some argue have contributed to the rise in crime.
Advocates for the homeless say that the city needs to do more to provide affordable housing and mental health services to prevent people from resorting to violent behavior. They also call on the NYPD to treat homeless individuals with compassion and respect.
The arrest of Clifton Williams is a step towards bringing justice to Buscemi and holding him accountable for his actions. However, it is essential to address the underlying causes of violence in New York City to prevent future incidents.
