Former New York Governor David Paterson and his stepson, Anthony Sliwa, were assaulted Friday evening on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, The Associated Press reports, citing the police.
The two were treated at a local hospital for minor injuries to the face. Paterson, who is legally blind, sustained additional injuries to his body.
The attack occurred around 8:30 pm as Paterson and Sliwa were taking a walk. Police have arrested two boys, ages 12 and 13, in connection with the assault and charged them with gang assault. The boys were not identified by name due to their age.
Authorities are still investigating the incident, stating that at least five individuals were involved in the attack. They are seeking the public’s help in identifying the other assailants.
According to Paterson, he and Sliwa, son of Guardian Angels founder Curtis Sliwa, encountered a group of зущзду and argued with them before two members of the group physically assaulted Paterson and his stepson. Paterson said his son fought off multiple attackers, but sustained a cut to the face requiring stitches.
Paterson, a Democrat, served as New York’s governor from 2008 to 2010, assuming the position after Governor Eliot Spitzer resigned due to a prostitution scandal. He was the first Black governor of New York.
