Former New York Gov. David Paterson and his stepson, Anthony Chester Sliwa, were attacked by a group of young suspects while walking their dog on Manhattan’s Upper East Side on the night of Oct. 4, according to law enforcement sources and Paterson’s spokesperson.
Paterson’s spokesperson, Sean Darcy, confirmed that both Paterson and his stepson sustained injuries but were able to fend off the attackers. “They both suffered some injuries but were able to fight off their attackers,” Darcy said, also noting that there had been a previous interaction between Paterson’s stepson and the suspects.
The former governor sustained a head injury, while Sliwa suffered a facial wound. Sources indicated that Sliwa’s injuries were more severe. Both were taken to NY-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center as a precaution, and a police report has been filed. No arrests had been made.
The NYPD is investigating the incident, and Paterson and his family are recovering from the ordeal, NBC News New York reports. The attack has sparked concerns about safety in the Upper East Side, a typically quiet and affluent neighborhood, especially for public figures like Paterson.
RELATED CONTENT: New York Governor Takes Bond Issuance to Task
Source: Black Enterprise