Steve Buscemi has been left injured after falling victim to an unprovoked assault by a passer-by in New York City, as confirmed by his publicist.

As reported by BBC News, the iconic figure from Boardwalk Empire and Reservoir Dogs found himself rushed to Bellevue Hospital following what was described as a “random act of violence” in Manhattan.

The actor suffered facial bruises, swelling, and a bloody eye as a result of the attack.Law enforcement officials promptly responded to an emergency call reporting the assault on a 66-year-old man, revealing the distressing nature of the incident. The assailant, described as a man wearing a dark baseball cap, blue T-shirt, black trousers, and white trainers while carrying a bag, left Buscemi injured and shaken.The assault occurred in Midtown around 11:48AM ET on May 8 near 369 Third Ave.

Police released this image of a man watched in connection to the assault. Credit: DCPI

In a statement, Buscemi’s publicist addressed the incident, expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support while lamenting the unfortunate occurrence. “Steve Buscemi was… another victim of a random act of violence in the city,” the statement lamented, highlighting the somber truth of navigating the streets of New York.

One eyewitness who watched the distressing scene unfold told the New York Post that Buscemi appeared to “trip and fall backwards” during the assault before swiftly fleeing the scene.

Buscemi, a proud New Yorker with a diverse career that includes past service as a firefighter, is a popular Hollywood star, and many of his fans have taken to social media to highlight his service in the FDNY as well as his work in the aftermath of 9/11.

“Disgusting. As far as I know, and I have never met him, Steve Buscemi is an American treasure. A former firefighter who went back to help during the 9/11 attacks, even after making it to Hollywood. That man seems like a class act,” one X user wrote.

A second added: “Punching a former NYFD Firefighter, who dropped everything he was doing and came out of retirement to help with the recovery efforts on 9/11, while in NYC seems like a really bad move. Not to mention Buscemi is liked by everyone. F*** that punk.”

“Who the hell would punch Steve Buscemi? The man, in addition to being a beloved actor, was a volunteer firefighter, putting in hours after the September 11th attack to find survivors. He’s a hero to many,” another tweetedAnother suggested: “Steve Buscemi is a former firefighter who returned to his old firehouse after 9/11 and did 12 hour days for a week digging through rubble looking for missing firefighters. Whoever did this should be made to wash firetrucks for at least 2k hours as part of their punishment.”.

In the aftermath of 9/11, Steve Buscemi returned to his old fire station, where he had served as a firefighter in the early 1980s. He put on his old gear and worked 12-hour shifts alongside other firefighters, searching for survivors in the rubble of the World Trade Center. pic.twitter.com/W6U5nVlQlC

— The Sopranos Guy™ (@uncle_june) May 13, 2024

“I didn’t think I’d ever have to say this, but do NOT punch Steve Buscemi. The man is a former firefighter who went back to his station after 9/11 to work. We don’t punch people in the face who save people’s lives. Or anyone. Don’t punch anyone. Thank you,” another X user wrote.We wish Buscemi the very best in his recovery.