Steve Buscemi Alleged Attacker Arrested Identified NYPD

Suspect who assaulted Steve Buscemi also attacked another man minutes earlier, leading to arrest. Increase in random violence in NYC.

Police have apprehended the suspect believed to have assaulted actor Steve Buscemi, following a random attack earlier this month in Manhattan. The assailant, identified as Clifton Williams, a homeless 50-year-old man, was arrested and charged in New York City. Williams had walked into a local police station to report stolen property, leading to his recognition as the suspect in the attack on Buscemi.

Williams is facing two counts of assault, with one charge upgraded to a felony due to Buscemi's status as a senior citizen. The second assault charge stems from an incident where Williams allegedly punched a 22-year-old man just minutes before attacking Buscemi. Video footage of the attack on Buscemi showed him being sucker punched while walking on Third Avenue, with Williams seen talking to himself in another video prior to the incident.

Buscemi sustained minor injuries and was treated at Bellevue Hospital before declining interviews about the incident. The attack on Buscemi is not an isolated incident, as other celebrities in New York have been victims of random assaults, including Buscemi's former co-star Michael Stuhlbarg and actor Rick Moranis. Former NYPD Commissioner Rich Esposito noted an uptick in random acts of violence but suggested it may not be a continuing trend.

The incident with Buscemi occurred shortly after he was cast in a major role in the hit Netflix show "Wednesday." The show follows Wednesday Addams as she navigates her psychic abilities and solves mysteries. Williams' arrest brings closure to the case, providing some relief to Buscemi and his fans who had expressed support on social media.