Steve Buscemi Hospitalised after 'unprovoked' NYC assault

Virgin Radio

13 May 2024, 10:04

Beloved actor Steve Buscemi was attacked in broad daylight, prompting concern and sympathy from fans worldwide.

Hollywood actor Steve Buscemi found himself in the midst of a nightmare scenario on the streets of New York City, where he was brutally assaulted by an unknown assailant.

The lead star of Boardwalk Empire was left bloodied and battered, with his face swollen and his left eye damaged.

The incident occurred in Kips Bay, Midtown Manhattan, as Buscemi was going about his day, minding his own business.

Eyewitnesses described seeing him trip and fall backwards after being approached by the attacker, whose identity remains unknown.

The assault, described as unprovoked, shocked bystanders and prompted an immediate response from emergency services.

Buscemi was swiftly rushed to Bellevue Hospital to receive medical attention for his injuries.

His publicist to the New York Post confirmed the incident, stating: "Steve Buscemi was assaulted in Midtown Manhattan, another victim of a random act of violence in the city.

"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."

The attack, which occurred around 11:48 am on Wednesday, has left many in the community shaken and concerned for their safety.

A witness to the incident recalled: "I saw he was with a woman, and then through the corner of the window I saw him trip and fall backwards," she told The Post.

"He right away got up and ran in the opposite direction. I didn’t see who hit him.

"It worries me for when we close because we close at 11 and it can get scary around that time," said the witness, identified only as Nat.

The NYPD released an image of the assailant, described as a middle-aged man with a beard, wearing a baseball cap, a blue t-shirt, and black sweatpants at the time of the assault.

For Buscemi, a native New Yorker, the incident hits particularly close to home.

Known for his roles in acclaimed films and television shows, including Fargo, Reservoir Dogs, and Con Air, Buscemi has long been a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.

But it's his role as a real-life hero that truly sets him apart.

Following the 9/11 terror attacks, Buscemi, a former firefighter, reconnected with his fire company, Engine 55, and worked tirelessly as part of the rescue efforts at the World Trade Center.

His selfless actions in the aftermath of the tragedy earned him the admiration and respect of New Yorkers and people around the world.

The attack on Buscemi comes just weeks after his Boardwalk Empire co-star Michael Stuhlbarg was similarly assaulted on the streets of the city.

Stuhlbarg, who was out walking in the Upper East Side, was attacked by a homeless man wielding a large rock.

Fortunately, Stuhlbarg escaped serious injury, but the incident serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers that can lurk in even the most seemingly safe environments.