In recent times, it appears that even well-known figures like Steve Buscemi, a cherished actor hailing from Brooklyn, are not immune to the dangers lurking on the streets of New York City.

Last week, while casually walking through Kips Bay, Buscemi, 66, fell victim to an unprovoked attack when an assailant approached him and struck him in broad daylight. This incident adds to the alarming trend of random assaults occurring across the five boroughs, according to law enforcement sources cited by The Post.

As a result of the attack, the “Boardwalk Empire” star sustained swelling to his face and left eye, necessitating medical attention at Bellevue Hospital.

Meanwhile, the perpetrator fled the scene and remains at large, as confirmed by police sources.

Steve Buscemi wearing glasses and a black shirt at the 'Problemista' New York Screening on February 27, 2024 at Village East Cinema
Steve Buscemi, 66, became the latest victim of Big Apple street violence when he was slugged in a random attack.Getty Images
“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 him while also walking the streets of New York.”

The random attack occurred at approximately 11:48 a.m. on Wednesday, right in front of 369 Third Ave., according to authorities.

An eyewitness, who works in the area and wished to remain anonymous, recounted part of the incident to The Post: “I saw he was with a woman, and then through the corner of the window I saw him trip and fall backwards. 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,” she said.

In response to the incident, the NYPD has released surveillance photos of the alleged attacker, described as a bearded man sporting a baseball cap, a blue T-shirt, and black sweatpants.

The actor, a former FDNY firefighter, has a movie career that has spanned four decades, and includes roles in award-winning films like “Fargo” and “Reservoir Dogs.”


A man wanted for assaulting Steve Buscemi in a surveillance image released by the NYPD.DCPI
Buscemi earned wide acclaim for his portrayal of corrupt Atlantic City pol Enoch “Nucky” Thompson in the hit HBO series “Boardwalk Empire.”

Last week’s unprovoked attack makes him the second actor from the popular series to fall victim to random New York City street violence this year.

On March 31, actor Michael Stuhbarg, who played gangster Arnold Rothstein on the show, was out for a run on the Upper East Side when he was struck in the back of the neck with a rock.

The NYPD arrested a deranged vagrant, Xavier Israel, 27, in the assault, which took place around 7:45 p.m. near East 90th Street and East Drive.

"Broadway Empire" actor Steve Buscemi.
Steve Buscemi’s credits include “Boardwalk Empire,” “Fargo” and “Reservoir Dogs,” a career that has spanned decades.
Israel had previously been arrested for assault and robbery in 2022.

Stuhlbarg chased after the thug, who ran into the hands of police stationed outside the Russian Consulate.

Meanwhile, an NYPD spokesperson said Sunday that Buscemi’s attacker remains at large.

Buscemi has been a beloved figure in his native New York and famously rushed to the site of the World Trade Center after the 9/11 terror attacks to join his former fire company, Engine 55.

Former FDNY firefighter Steve Buscemi.
Brooklyn-born Steve Buscemi is a former New York firefighter who ran to Ground Zero on 9/11 to help his old company.Matthew McDermott
The former Emmy Award winner was one of New York’s Bravest in the 1980s.

In 2021, he dressed up as a character he played in the hit show “30 Rock” to hand out candy to children on Halloween from a stoop in Park Slope.