James Anastasio is a 29 year old man from Staten Island, New York. Police have accused Anastasio, a NY Rangers fan, of sucker punching a man after the Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the New York Rangers.
James Anastasio Allegations
Anastasio Arrested, Accused Of Punching Lightning Fan. “A New York Rangers fan was arrested Friday after he was caught on video sucker-punching another man following the Tampa Bay Lightning’s 3-1 victory in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Thursday night. James Anastasio, a 29-year-old Staten Island resident, was charged with two counts of assault, two accounts of disorderly conduct and two accounts of harassment after he was identified as the fan who viciously attacked a Tampa Bay fan in a video that has since gone viral on social media, according to FOX 13.” [Fox]
Video Shows Attack. “James Anastasio, 29, sucker-punched the first man in the face in an unprovoked attack as hockey fans left the arena after the game around 11 p.m., according to authorities. Video of the attack showed the victim, who was wearing the jersey of the opposing team, the Tampa Bay Lightning, falling to the floor and losing consciousness. Anastasio tried to run away but was stopped by a 37-year-old eyewitness, police said. Anastasio retaliated and punched him in the face as well, according to cops. The eyewitness suffered bruising on his face but refused medical attention at the scene.” [Pix 11]
Police: Good Samaritan Tried To Stop Attack. “According to the NYPD, a Good Samaritan witnessed the incident and tried to stop the assailant, who then punched him in the face too. Police and security were able to ultimately locate James Anastasio, 29, of Staten Island while he was still at MSG and arrest him.” [NBC]
Madison Square Garden Condemned Attack. “Last night, an abhorrent assault took place against a Tampa Bay fan at the conclusion of the game — followed by a second assault against an individual who bravely intervened. All guests — no matter what team they support — should feel safe and respected in The Garden. This has and always will be our policy.” [Madison Square Garden Statement]
Anastasio Speaks Out On Attack. “James Anastasio — whose son, James, is accused of sucker punching a Tampa Bay Lightning fan after Thursday’s playoff game— told The Post Friday he sees no need to “defend” the 29-year-old’s actions. “He made a choice. Sometimes choices in our lives have consequences,” said the elder Anastasio. “There’s nothing to defend. It is what it is. We’ll wait for him to come home, we’ll pick him up, and everything’s OK. Tomorrow’s a new day.”” [NY Post]
One of the first political bloggers in the world, Oliver Willis has operated OliverWillis.com since 2000. Contributor at Media Matters for America and The American Independent. Follow on Twitter at @owillis. Full bio.