Former New York Gov. David Paterson, stepson hurt in "gang assault" in NYC
NEW YORK — Former New York Gov. David Paterson and his stepson were victims of a "gang assault" in New York City on Friday night, authorities said.
Police have made two arrests in connection to the attack and may be looking for additional suspects. Paterson, 70, and his stepson – 20-year-old Anthony Sliwa, the oldest son of Guardian Angels founder and former mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa – were taken to a local hospital and have since been released.
Former New York Gov. David Paterson speaks out after NYC attack
The incident occurred on Second Avenue near East 96th Street on Manhattan's Upper East Side just before 9 p.m., according to the New York City Police Department.
While speaking to reporters Saturday, Paterson said it started when he and his stepson were walking their dog and saw three people climbing up a fire escape.
"[Anthony Sliwa] admonished them that he was gonna call the police. They came down, they had kind of a brief argument and that was the end of that," Paterson said.
About 45 minutes later, the two went back out without the dog, and Paterson says the crowd grew, possibly recognizing Anthony Sliwa from the first encounter, and became violent.
"He was holding off as many other people as he could, but then it became four-to-one, five-to-one, six-to-one, and he was knocked to the ground and dazed by the experience," Paterson said. "I got punched in the face a couple times. I got punched on the shoulder."
They were both taken to Weill Cornell Medical Center. Anthony Sliwa needed five stitches on his lower lip and got a number of bruises.
Paterson and his stepson were released Saturday morning, according to a spokesperson.
"Governor Paterson and his stepson, Anthony, were sent home early this morning. The Governor's only request is that people refrain from attempting to use an unfortunate act of violence for their own personal or political gain. He and his wife, Mary, are thankful for the quick response time from the police and the outpouring of support they have received from people across all spectrums. Governor Paterson's main concern today is Kodai Senga and the New York Mets, but we will provide any additional updates as necessary," the spokesperson's statement said.
Curtis Sliwa reacts to attack on son
"Well, as a father, it's very personal to me. My first instinct is I want revenge," Curtis Sliwa said Saturday.
Although Anthony Sliwa and Paterson say the 20-year-old is trained in martial arts, Curtis Sliwa says he's lost his peace of mind.
"He did the right thing. And then when they attacked him, he did the right thing to protect David Paterson," Curtis Sliwa said.
Paterson said neither he nor his stepson recognized the attackers and don't believe the attack was based on Paterson's history in politics. A Democrat, Paterson was governor from 2008 to 2010. He stepped into office after the Eliot Spitzer resigned following a prostitution scandal. Paterson made history at the time as the state's first Black and legally blind governor.
Paterson praised his stepson for protecting him as best he could.
"When they were insulting him and then starting to fight him, he didn't back down. And I think that took a lot of courage, a lot of bravery," Paterson said.
Police said no arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing. Police released images of several suspects they are looking for.
Anyone with any information is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). You can also submit a tip via their website or via DM on Twitter, @NYPDTips. All calls are kept confidential.
