NYU Student Assault Suspect James Rizzo Faces Judge Amidst Multiple Charges

NYU Student Assault and Suspect's Record

• 💡 A 45-year-old homeless repeat offender, identified as James Rizzo, is accused of assaulting an NYU student, Amelia Lewis, on Monday.
• 📌 Surveillance video shows Rizzo slapping Lewis's backside and pulling her to the ground near Broadway and Waverly.
• ⚠️ Rizzo has a history of 16 prior arrests and was out on parole for sex abuse at the time of the attack.

Additional Charges and Prior Incidents

• ⚡ Rizzo faces charges including forcible touching and assault for the NYU incident.
• 🚨 He is also charged with a string of four residential burglaries in Manhattan on Tuesday.
• 🤕 Additionally, Rizzo is accused of elbowing a 69-year-old woman on Fifth Avenue on Thanksgiving Day, causing minor injuries.
• 👊 In December 2023, he allegedly punched a 59-year-old woman in the face on Mercer Street.

Community Reaction and Awareness

• 💬 Students on the NYU campus expressed fear and increased vigilance following the assault video.
• 🗣️ The victim, Amelia Lewis, aims to use her voice to raise awareness and help other women stay protected.
• 📢 NYU security was reportedly already aware of Rizzo and his pattern of behavior around the city.

Legal Proceedings

• ⚖️ James Rizzo was expected to be arraigned in criminal court in lower Manhattan on Wednesday evening.
• 📰 CBS News New York is covering the arraignment and will provide updates.