The man responsible for the alleged sucker-punch attack on actor Steve Buscemi in Manhattan has been identified as 50-year-old Clifton Williams. The incident occurred on May 8 in Kips Bay, where Buscemi was leaning against a wall and texting on his phone when he was unexpectedly struck in the face. Emergency services were called to the scene and the actor was taken to Bellevue Hospital for treatment of bruising, swelling, and bleeding to his left eye.
Buscemi’s publicist confirmed the attack, stating that the actor is okay but saddened by the incident. The NYPD released surveillance images of the suspect in hopes of locating him, and now that he has been identified, the search for Williams continues.
This is not the first attack on a “Boardwalk Empire” actor this spring, as Michael Stuhlbarg was also assaulted in a separate incident near Central Park in March. A homeless man, Xavier Israel, was arrested in connection with that attack and faces assault and harassment charges.
Buscemi, known for his roles in films like “Fargo” and “Reservoir Dogs,” as well as the TV series “Miracle Workers,” is a former FDNY firefighter. The actor was last seen on screen in the final season of “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” The motive behind the attacks on these actors remains unclear, but the NYPD is actively investigating both incidents.