Benjamin Jones
NEW YORK – Actor Steve Buscemi appeared to be looking at his phone moments before randomly punched in New York CityExclusive video obtained by CBS New York Programs.
Buscemi was attacked in Manhattan last week, according to his publicist. Police were still searching for the attacker on Monday and asked for the public’s help in identifying him.
The suspect appeared to be talking to himself
Video programs the 66-year-old “Boardwalk Empire” actor walking south on Third Avenue just before noon on May 8. Then he looks up to greet someone before crossing East 27th Street.
Police said a man dressed in blue punched Buscemi moments after he crossed the street. He was not provoked.
“I think it’s crazy, but it’s likely to happen. I live around here and I hear this all the time”, said Juliana Tronconi.
More exclusive video shows the suspect appeared to be talking to himself as he walked north on Third Avenue moments before the attack.
Buscemi, a Brooklyn native and former FDNY firefighter, was taken to Bellevue Hospital with bruising, swelling and bleeding in his left eye.
Photos emerged showing Buscemi with a bruised face. He declined an on-camera interview.
“Another victim of a random act of violence in the city”
On September 11th, Buscemi went to Ground Zero to help his former engine company and received the keys to the city in 2021.
A representative for Buscemi said he is now “yet another victim of a random act of violence in the city.”
“He is doing well and appreciates everyone’s well wishes, although he is incredibly saddened for everyone that this happened while walking the streets of New York,” the rep added.
“It’s horrible, really. I was attacked right here years ago, too,” said Richard Robbins of Kips Bay. “I was walking down the street and someone walked by and slapped me in the back of the head and knocked me down.”
“It’s a reflection of the leadership of our country and our city,” said another man. “They’d arrest you, but you’d be out the next day or that afternoon. So why not punch Steve Buscemi?”
Buscemi, the last actor attacked in New York
Michael Stuhbarg, Buscemi’s “Boardwalk Empire” co-star, was also randomly attacked while jogging on the Upper East Side in March. A suspect was arrested.
In 2020, actor Rick Moranis was randomly attacked on the Upper West Side. Prosecutors said the suspect was facing charges in several other incidents.
Anyone with any information about the suspect in Buscemi’s case is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477)or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). You can also send a tip through their website or via DM on Twitter, @NYPDTips. All calls are kept confidential.
Lisa Rozner
