Incident Involving Former Gov. David Paterson and Stepson Leads to Assault Charges
Two individuals, Diamond Minter and Travor Nurse, pleaded not guilty Tuesday to felony assault charges following an altercation involving former New York Governor David Paterson and his stepson, Anthony Sliwa, on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Defense attorneys claim the accused were attempting to de-escalate a confrontation rather than instigate violence.
Alleged Attack on Paterson and Stepson After Argument
The altercation began Friday night when 20-year-old Anthony Sliwa, son of Guardian Angels founder Curtis Sliwa, had a dispute with a group of youths who were climbing on a structure outside his building. Later that night, while Paterson and his stepson were out for a walk, they encountered the same group near a nearby McDonald’s, leading to another verbal confrontation.
Prosecutors allege that Minter and Nurse then intervened, escalating the situation. According to Manhattan Assistant District Attorney Zachary Campbell, Nurse made aggressive gestures toward the legally blind Paterson and his stepson. When Sliwa shoved Nurse, the altercation quickly turned physical, with Minter and Nurse allegedly attacking Sliwa and Paterson.
Defense Claims: Defusing Conflict, Not Instigating
Both Minter and Nurse maintain they were trying to break up the fight. Nurse’s lawyer, Jeffrey Chabrowe, said his client and Minter, co-workers at a housing agency, attempted to calm the situation, believing they were witnessing adults harassing children. Chabrowe also noted that Paterson’s stepson is trained in martial arts and claimed Nurse was “on the receiving end” of that training during the scuffle.
Minter’s attorney, Zachary Wechsler, echoed similar sentiments in court, arguing his client intervened after witnessing adults in a standoff with children.
Prosecutors’ Account of the Altercation
Prosecutors, however, offer a different narrative. They claim Nurse threw Sliwa to the ground and kicked him, while Minter held Sliwa’s arms back, allowing two minors, aged 12 and 13, to stomp on him. Nurse is also accused of striking Paterson in the back of the head, causing him to fall to the pavement.
The two minors involved in the case have also been charged, though their cases are being handled separately in family court.
Paterson’s Response to the Incident
Paterson’s spokesperson, Sean Darcy, described the incident as “a traumatic event” for the former governor and his family. In a statement, Darcy expressed confidence that justice would be served and that the family was eager to move past the ordeal.
Court Proceedings and Next Steps
At Tuesday’s hearing, Nurse’s bail was set at $25,000 in cash or $50,000 bond, while Minter was released on supervised probation. Both defendants are expected to return to court on Friday.
