NYU Student Attack Suspect James Rizzo Appears in Court, Faces Multiple Charges

Suspect's Arraignment and Criminal History

• ⚖️ James Rizzo, accused of attacking an NYU student, was arraigned overnight in Manhattan.
• 🚨 He has a significant criminal history with 16 prior arrests, including charges for sexual assault and attempted murder.
• 🗓️ Rizzo was paroled in September from an earlier conviction and has a known history of mental illness.

Recent Assaults and Burglaries

• 💥 The NYU student attack, which occurred Monday morning on Broadway, was caught on surveillance video and went viral.
• 🤕 Prior to the NYU incident, Rizzo is accused of assaulting a 68-year-old woman in Midtown on Thanksgiving night, hitting her with his elbow and requiring her to get stitches.
• 🏠 He was arrested Tuesday after allegedly breaking into NYU housing, where he was living among students and faculty, and stealing multiple items.
• 📝 Rizzo faces charges including assault, persistent sexual abuse, forcible touching, and four counts of burglary.

Legal Proceedings and Mental Health Evaluation

• 🧑‍⚖️ During his arraignment, Rizzo was remanded to jail by the judge.
• 🧠 He has been ordered to undergo a psychiatric evaluation.
• 📅 Rizzo is due in court in the Bronx today for parole violations and in a Manhattan courtroom on Monday for the latest charges.