Steve Buscemi’s alleged attacker arrested and charged after incident in New York

A 50 year old man Clifton Williams was arrested Friday and charged with second-degree assault after allegedly attacking actor Steve Buscemi in New York City. Police confirmed Rolling Stone.

The arrest comes more than a week after the 66-year-old actor was punched in the face and taken to hospital by emergency services to be treated for bleeding, swelling and bruising in his left eye. The New York Police Department confirmed this on Friday Rolling Stone that the alleged attacker was arrested in the 13th district at 2:20 p.m.

A representative for Buscemi did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the arrest. However, the actor’s publicist confirmed the attack in a statement Rolling Stone last week.

“Steve Buscemi was attacked in Midtown Manhattan, another victim of random violence in the city,” they said. “He’s doing well and appreciates everyone’s well wishes, although he’s incredibly sad for everyone that this happened while he was also walking the streets of New York.”

Earlier this week, the NYPD released images of the alleged attacker to help locate the suspect.

Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder responded to news of Buscemi’s attack during a concert in Sacramento on Monday. “Who the hell does this to Steve Buscemi?” Vedder asked according to the crowd San Jose Mercury News. “I mean, hit me – don’t hit him.”

According to the NYPD’s crime statistics report last week, reported assault complaints in the city increased 6.9 percent in 2024 compared to 2023, while assault complaints citywide increased 4 percent.

In April, a 27-year-old man was charged with assault after throwing a rock at Buscemi Boardwalk Empire Co-star Michael Stuhlbarg during an attack in New York’s Central Park. The attacker was taken into custody and Stuhlbarg reportedly refused medical attention.