'Crime against America': Fans rally behind Steve Buscemi as New York man arrested for punching him

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Steve Buscemi’s assaulter has finally been found! On May 8, fans were stunned to find out that the ‘Boardwalk Empire’ star was stuck in the face in broad daylight.

Looks like the miscreant has finally been found out as on Friday, May 17, a man was arrested on suspicion of sucker-punching Buscemi earlier this month in Manhattan.

Steve Buscemi’s suspected assaulter has been arrested

Almost ten days after the incident, 50-year-old Clifton Williams has been arrested under suspicion of hitting the ‘Fargo’ actor. 

Per NBC, New York City police arrested Williams on Friday afternoon and accused him of second-degree assault. Following the incident, internet erupted over the assault and apparently joined hands to find the assaulter. 

On Wednesday, the NYPD named Williams as a suspect and released several photos of him. It was not known till Friday night, whether Williams had an attorney to comment on his behalf.

Steve Buscemi was assaulted on May 8

Buscemi, 66, was at the Kips Bay on Wednesday, May 8, when he was left shocked as a stranger struck him on the face in the broad-daylight attack, reports the New York Post.

The police department informed that the incident took place at around 11.48 am in front of 369 Third Ave.

The actor was texting on his phone and leaning on a wall when the suspect attacked him. Per law enforcement, the Brooklyn native’s assault marks the latest incident of unprovoked assaults in the five boroughs.

The actor, hit by brute strength, was left with swelling to his face and left eye. He was immediately taken to Bellevue Hospital and treated for injuries. 

Shortly after the assault, NYPD released surveillance photos of the attacker. 

His publicist informed the New York Post in a statement, “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.”

An onlooker of the incident added, “I saw he was with a woman, and then through the corner of the window I saw him trip and fall backwards.”

The person who witnessed the assault, added, “He right away got up and ran in the opposite direction. I didn’t see who hit him.

Another woman shared, “It worries me for when we close because we close at 11 and it can get scary around that time,” said the woman, who asked to be identified only as Nat. 

The ‘Reservoir Dogs’ star, who has had a showbiz career spanning over four decades, becomes the second actor from his TV show ‘Boardwalk Empire’ to get attacked in Manhattan.

In March, Michael Stuhlbarg was struck in the head with a rock as he was walking near Central Park.

Internet shocked by assault, glad accused is arrested

Netizens were shocked by the assault on the beloved actor, and many expressed gladness that the perpetrator was apprehended. 

One said, "Glad they caught him. Steve Buscemi is a great guy," while another added, "Glad they caught the perp. Also glad Steve is going to be okay."

"Crime against America! cause Steve is America we are w u steve," said another.

One fan remarked, "I’m so glad they caught the guy. I absolutely adore Steve."

"Steve Buscemi is a national treasure!" another said.

"I'm glad the coward was caught, and hope that he is punished to the fullest extent of the law. Steve Buscemi is great actor. I'm glad he's ok. Stay strong ole crazy eyes. I love your movies," added a fan.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.