'Welcome to NYC': Fans condemn random attack by a man on actor Michael Stuhlbarg near NYC's Central Park

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Actor Michael Stuhlbarg, who is known for his works in 'Call Me By Your Name' and 'Boardwalk Empire', was reportedly attacked by a man with a rock near New York City’s Central Park on Sunday, March 31, New York Post reports. 

The attacker, Xavier Israel, 27, was taken into custody after striking the 55-year-old man in the back of the neck, according to the New York Police Department. Although the authorities did not publicly disclose the actor's name, his identity was later confirmed by multiple outlets.

When did the incident take place?

The incident took place when Stuhlbarg was walking near 90th Street and East Drive at around 7.45 pm and Stuhlbarg then chased down Israel afterward. Israel was arrested around 8 pm, police said, adding that the victim declined to be treated for minor injuries. According to the authorities, Israel, who is currently homeless, was on parole for attempted robbery when he struck Stuhlbarg.

Michael Stuhlbarg's acting career

A character actor who’s been active for the past 25 years, Stuhlbarg has starred in series including 'Damages', 'Ugly Betty' and 'Boardwalk Empire', in which he played gambler and gangster Arnold Rothstein. His performances in 'Dopesick' and 'The Looming Tower' earned him Emmy nominations for best supporting actor in a limited series or movie. 

His film credits include Best Picture Oscar winner 'The Shape of Water', 'Lincoln', 'A Serious Man', and 'Call Me By Your Name'.

Michael Stuhlbarg's new Broadway show

Stuhlbarg’s new Broadway show 'Patriots' from 'The Crown' creator Peter Morgan is scheduled to begin performances Monday, April 1. Stuhlbarg plays wealthy Russian Boris Berezovsky opposite Will Keep as Vladimir Putin.

“In 1991, after the fall of the Soviet Union, the new Russia belongs to its oligarchs — and no one is more powerful than billionaire Boris Berezovsky,” according to a synopsis of the show. 

“When an eventual successor to President Boris Yeltsin is needed, Berezovsky turns to the little-known deputy mayor of St. Petersburg, Vladimir Putin. But soon Putin’s ruthless rise threatens Berezovsky’s reign, setting off a riveting, near-Shakespearean confrontation between the two powerful, fatally flawed men,” the synopsis added.

Internet reacts to the random act of crime 

After the news regarding Michael Stuhlbarg's attack broke out, several fans took to social media to condemn the hateful act. "Mike, welcome to NYC!," wrote one user while another echoed, "NYC is jungle." "I thought the mayor of New York told us that was the safest city in America," pointed out one user. 

One X user opined, "New York needs new leadership. Their laws aren't working. Soft on crime and catch and release is only giving them more ammunition for more targets. These policies need to be removed, and harsh enforcement policies to implement." "They'll just let him out to commit again," commented one. 

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.