NYC Random Attacks: Texas Woman and NYU Student Victims Speak Out

Random Assaults in New York City

• 🎯 Diane Brazelle, visiting from Houston for Thanksgiving, was violently attacked on Fifth Avenue by a man who started screaming obscenities before slamming her to the ground.
• 🤕 The 68-year-old sustained a laceration requiring six stitches, bruising on her leg and shoulder, and bit her tongue.
• 💡 Brazelle expressed disappointment but also renewed faith due to the support she received from bystanders.

NYU Student's Attack and Suspect Information

• 💥 Amelia Lewis, a 20-year-old NYU student, was assaulted while walking to class, experiencing a painful blow to her buttocks, followed by hair pulling and being forcefully thrown to the ground.
• 🚨 Police arrested James Rizzo, a 45-year-old homeless man with 16 prior arrests, including one for sexual abuse, for these assaults.
• ⚖️ Rizzo is also charged in four burglaries in Midtown and was previously paroled.

Impact on Victims and City Safety

• 😔 Both victims expressed sadness and shock at the unprovoked nature of the attacks.
• 💬 Despite the incidents, Brazelle stated she has no problem returning to New York, highlighting the positive interactions with supportive people.
• ⚠️ The attacks raise concerns about safety in the city, particularly for visitors and students.