NYU Student Assault Sparks Security Review After Suspect Found in Campus Building

A homeless parolee was arrested for slapping an NYU student in Greenwich Village. The suspect was found hiding in a vacant university-owned apartment one day later. Police say he stole items from neighboring units while inside the building.The incident has raised serious security concerns at the prestigious Manhattan campus. University officials confirmed they are investigating how the unauthorized individual gained access.

Suspect’s Violent History and Recent Crimes Revealed

James Rizzo, 45, was caught in a 17th-floor penthouse at Washington Square Village. According to prosecutors, he had burglarized several apartments in the building. Stolen items included laptops, backpacks, and a yoga mat.Rizzo has a long criminal record dating back decades. In 1997, he stabbed a 74-year-old woman during a Brooklyn burglary. He was paroled just last September after serving time for a sex abuse conviction.

University Vows to Tighten Security Protocols

NYU Vice President for Global Campus Safety Fountain Walker called the breach “unacceptable.” In an email to the community, he stated an investigation is underway. Security is working with building staff to prevent future access issues.The building houses faculty, graduate students, and some unrelated tenants. Because of this mix, the doorman does not scan IDs for entry. This policy is now under review following the incident.The student victim, Amelia Lewis, shared her experience on social media. She described the slap and being thrown to the ground as the scariest moment of her life. Her TikTok video detailing the attack quickly went viral online.Rizzo faces multiple charges including persistent sexual abuse and burglary. A judge ordered him held without bail. He is also a suspect in an assault on a Texas tourist during Thanksgiving.

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The arrest has highlighted ongoing safety challenges in urban campus environments. The NYU student assault case is prompting a urgent reevaluation of access controls in university housing.

Thought you’d like to know

Q1: How did the suspect get into the NYU building?

He entered a faculty and graduate housing building with a doorman. Because the building has non-university tenants, ID scanning was not standard procedure for entry.

Q2: What is the university doing about security now?

NYU’s campus safety department is investigating the breach. They are working with contracted doormen to tighten entry protocols and prevent unauthorized access.

Q3: What did the student victim say about the attack?

Amelia Lewis posted on TikTok that she was slapped hard and thrown to the ground. She stated she should not be afraid to walk to her morning class.

Q4: What other charges does the suspect face?

Beyond the assault, he faces multiple burglary charges for stealing from neighbors. He is also linked to an assault on a tourist in Midtown.

Q5: What is the suspect’s criminal background?

His record includes a 1997 stabbing, past sex abuse convictions, and a hate crime conviction for spray-painting a swastika in 2018.