Former New York governor David Paterson, his stepson, and four other men were injured in a street attack on Manhattan Street.
Paterson (70 years old) and Anthony Sliwa (20 years old) were walking along an Upper East Side Street at 8:30 p.m. Friday when they were attacked.
According to authorities, both patients were treated at a nearby hospital for minor facial injuries and released Saturday morning.
Paterson is a legally blind man and suffered minor injuries to his body during he attack.
In a press statement, the police called the attack gang-related and asked for the public’s help in finding out more about it.
Paterson served as governor of New York from 2008 to 2010, after Eliot Spitzer resigned due to a scandal surrounding prostitution. Paterson was the first Black Governor of New York.
Paterson said at a Saturday press conference held near the scene of the attack that his stepson was walking the family’s dog when he came across the attackers. He said he would call the police if they didn’t stop.
Paterson claims that he, Sliwa – the son of Guardian Angels Founder Curtis Sliwa – went for a walk and met the group around East 97th Street at 8:30 p.m. The Guardian Angels, an anti-crime group, argued with two individuals before assaulting Paterson and his stepson.
Paterson stated that his son fought several attackers, but wound up with multiple stitches on the face.
Sean Darcy stated that Paterson’s spokesperson, Sean Darcy, in a release of a press statement, said that Paterson and Sliwa were able to repel the attackers.
Darcy said that Paterson, Mary, and their families “are grateful” for the quick response of the police and the support they received from people from all backgrounds.
Paterson stated that his primary concern for Saturday is New York Mets pitcher Kodai Senga, who will lead the Mets in their first postseason game against the Philadelphia Phillies.
