NYU Student Assaulted: Homeless Sex Offender Arrested in Campus Attack

A 45-year-old homeless sex offender, James Rizzo, was arrested after allegedly attacking a 20-year-old New York University (NYU) student, Amelia Lewis, in Greenwich Village. The incident occurred on the morning of March 11, 2024, when Rizzo allegedly slapped Lewis on the buttocks as she walked to class. Following the assault, he was found hiding in a vacant penthouse apartment in a university-owned building, where he reportedly stole belongings from several neighbors.

Police apprehended Rizzo just six blocks away from the attack site, specifically in Washington Square Village. According to prosecutors, he had taken various items from six different apartments, including a yoga mat, pillows, backpacks, and laptops. One of the stolen laptops was still powered on, allowing authorities to trace it back to Rizzo, who had entered the building undetected.

Previous Criminal History and Legal Proceedings

Rizzo’s criminal history dates back to the 1990s, when he was convicted for stabbing a 74-year-old woman during a burglary in Brooklyn. Following that incident, he faced numerous charges over the years, including sex abuse cases and several other assaults. He had been paroled on September 5, 2023, after serving time for a case involving the groping of a woman.

During his arraignment on March 13, 2024, in Manhattan Criminal Court, Judge Jeffrey Gershuny ordered Rizzo to be held without bail. Prosecutors charged him with persistent sexual abuse and assault for the attack on Lewis, as well as multiple counts of burglary for his unlawful entry into the NYU residence hall and nearby apartments.

Details of the Attack

Lewis described the attack in a viral TikTok video, expressing her shock and fear. “As I’m walking with my headphones on listening to music, I feel something slap me so hard on my ass,” she recounted. After turning around, Rizzo allegedly grabbed her hair and threw her to the ground. She described the experience as “the scariest experience of my life,” emphasizing that no student should feel unsafe walking to class.

The assault on Lewis is part of a larger pattern of troubling behavior from Rizzo. He has faced multiple legal issues, including an incident during Thanksgiving 2023, where he allegedly assaulted a tourist, Jana Dianne Brazell, in Midtown Manhattan. Brazell reported that Rizzo attacked her without warning, leading to serious injuries that required stitches.

Authorities are taking Rizzo’s history and the recent attacks seriously. His case highlights ongoing concerns regarding public safety, particularly in urban areas where individuals with extensive criminal backgrounds may pose a threat to residents.

The NYU community has expressed outrage and concern over the safety of students in light of these events. As investigations continue, Rizzo remains in custody, facing serious charges that could lead to significant legal repercussions.