David Paterson and Stepson Sustain Minor Injuries in Manhattan Attack
Former New York Gov. David Paterson and his stepson, Anthony Sliwa, were assaulted on a Manhattan street Friday evening by a group of four men and one woman. Both Paterson, 70, and Sliwa, 20, sustained minor injuries and were treated at a local hospital before being released, according to police.
The assault occurred around 8:30 p.m. as the two were walking along an Upper East Side street. Paterson, who is legally blind, sustained injuries to both his face and body, while his stepson received a cut to his face that required stitches.
Details of the Assault
The New York Police Department described the attack as a “gang assault” and has asked for public assistance in gathering information about the incident. Authorities stated that Paterson and Sliwa were walking near East 97th Street when they encountered the group.
The confrontation began earlier when Sliwa was walking the family dog and saw some of the assailants climbing up a building fire escape on Second Avenue. Sliwa threatened to call the police if they did not stop, which escalated the situation.
Later, while walking with Paterson, the two encountered the group again, leading to a verbal argument before two members of the group attacked them.
Paterson’s Response to the Attack
At a news conference near the scene, Paterson recounted how his stepson defended them, fighting off several attackers. Sean Darcy, a spokesperson for the former governor, confirmed that both Paterson and Sliwa were able to fend off the group.
Paterson expressed gratitude for the fast police response and the support received from the public. Despite the incident, Paterson’s concern on Saturday shifted to the performance of New York Mets pitcher Kodai Senga in the team’s playoff game against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Paterson’s Legacy and Public Service
David Paterson served as New York’s governor from 2008 to 2010, stepping into the role after former Gov. Eliot Spitzer resigned following a prostitution scandal. He became the state’s first Black governor during his tenure. His stepson, Anthony Sliwa, is the son of Curtis Sliwa, founder of the anti-crime group Guardian Angels.
