Clifton Williams, a homeless man with a significant criminal history in Kentucky and Florida, punched actor Steve Buscemi in the eye on May 8 in Kips Bay. Williams then casually walked away, leaving Buscemi with bleeding, swelling, bruising, and substantial pain. Williams was arrested and charged with second-degree assault due to Buscemi being over 65, as well as misdemeanor assault for attacking a 22-year-old Asian man earlier that day.
During Williams’ arraignment in Manhattan Criminal Court, Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth Barry requested $100,000 bail, citing Williams’ criminal history and the severity of the assault. Judge Marisol Martinez Alonso set bail at $50,000 cash or $150,000 bond, sending Williams to Rikers Island jail. Williams had only been in New York for less than a month and was identified through surveillance footage near the attack site.
Williams admitted to being the person in the surveillance photo and confessed to both the attacks when confronted by police. He appeared in court dressed in black jeans, a sweatshirt, and high-top shoes, saying “Yes, Your Honor” in a clear voice. Another man, Mark Belli, claimed that Williams had tried to punch him and threatened to kill him the day he was arrested. Belli stated that Williams had been living in a cardboard box nearby and was angry when it was taken by the city.
Belli reported the harassment to the police but was told to file a report, which he plans to do. The encounter with Williams occurred at 260 11th Avenue, where Belli works as a plumber. He described Williams throwing a punch at him, trying to kick him, and threatening to kill him. Belli managed to take a picture of Williams during the incident and believes the city took Williams’ box during a sweep of homeless individuals.
Williams has a long history of violence and assault in Kentucky and Florida, which adds to the seriousness of the charges against him. His random attack on Buscemi, a well-known actor, left the victim with physical injuries. Williams’ violent behavior towards others and his transient lifestyle in New York raise concerns about public safety and the resources available to address homelessness and mental health issues in the city. The incidents involving Williams highlight the challenges faced by both homeless individuals and the community in addressing issues of violence and mental health.
