'The f***ing audacity': Internet erupts as 'Boardwalk Empire' star Steve Buscemi punched by stranger in random NYC attack

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: It appears like nobody is safe on the streets of New York City these days, not even the well-liked hometown star and Brooklyn native, Steve Buscemi.

According to two NYPD sources, actor Steve Buscemi, 66, was in the Kips Bay neighborhood of Manhattan on Wednesday, May 8, when a stranger approached him and gave him a severe punch to the face.

The 'Boardwalk Empire' star was texting on his phone while leaning up against a wall at around noon at the time of the attack — one of the most recent unprovoked attacks in the five boroughs, law enforcement sources told the New York Post.

Steve Buscemi is fine after random New York City assault

Buscemi was taken to Bellevue Hospital by medics who attended the scene at 3rd Avenue and East 28th Street. The actor received treatment for swelling, bruises, and blood in his left eye, according to the police.

Although the attacker's identity is still unknown, the NYPD has released surveillance photos of the suspect in an attempt to apprehend him.

According to a statement provided to The Post by Buscemi's publicist, "Steve Buscemi was assaulted in Mid-Town 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," Buscemi's publicist added.

Buscemi is famous for his parts in the TV show 'Miracle Workers' and the movies Fargo' and 'Reservoir Dogs'. His last television appearance came during the season finale of 'Curb Your Enthusiasm', which ended in April after 12 seasons.

Loved in his home state of New York, Buscemi is well known for having raced to the World Trade Center site after the 9/11 terror attacks to rejoin his previous fire company, Engine 55. In the 1980s, the former Emmy Award winner was considered one of New York's Bravest.

The acclaimed HBO series 'Boardwalk Empire' star Buscemi is the second actor to be attacked this spring. On March 31, Michael Stuhlbarg was walking close to Central Park when he was hit in the head by a rock, per NBC News.

Internet enraged over Steve Buscemi's NYC assault

Social media users took to X (formerly Twitter) to express their anger over Buscemi's NYC attack with one exclaiming, "I want the head of whoever hit Steve Buscemi on a spike by sundown."

A second one slammed the rising crime in the Big Apple and wrote, "I don't know who punched Steve Buscemi but we hunting em down. No respect for a king New York, get your s**t together."

"Whoever physically harmed Steve Buscemi should be publicly flogged. The f***ing audacity. That man is a goddamn national treasure. He is NOT TO BE HARMED. Anyone else riding at… well, not exactly dawn, but like 8am? Has Goodman been called in? This calls for some Walter," seethed a user.

 One user remarked, "The general mood on Twitter in response to the news about Steve Buscemi being assaulted," followed by a clip from the movie 'Avengers'.

Another one added, "Whoever punched Steve Buscemi should have to wait tables in the US for the rest of their lives and never get tipped."

"I’m a very non-violent person but if i saw someone punch Rick Moranis or Steve Buscemi i would bring the full reign of hell down upon their a**!!!" exclaimed another Steve Buscemi fan.

One more said, "Out of all the celebrities to get punched, it should not have been Steve Buscemi. NYC is out of control," referring to the NYC crime.

"Who ever punched Steve Buscemi better run to the far corners of the earth. They're gonna find you..." chimed in another.

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.