Former New York Governor David Paterson and his stepson Anthony were attacked on New York City’s Upper East Side on Friday evening, leading to the arrest of two boys, ages 12 and 13, who have been charged with gang assault. The boys turned themselves in at a police precinct, accompanied by their parents.
According to the NYPD, at least five individuals were involved in the attack, though their names have not been released due to their status as minors. The police have released photos of the suspects, which include a girl with purple braids. Authorities believe that one of the attackers may be an adult. Another minor who was wanted in connection with the assault also turned himself in but was not charged after police determined he was not involved.
The incident occurred while the former governor and his stepson were walking their family dog. Paterson said they noticed a group of people climbing a fire escape near Second Avenue and East 96th Street. Paterson advised the group to come down, warning that he would call the police if they didn’t comply. He and his stepson, Anthony, who is the son of Guardian Angels founder and former mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa, were then confronted by the group and had to defend themselves. Paterson said he was “punched in the face a couple of times” during the encounter.
Both Paterson and his stepson were treated for minor injuries at a local hospital, with Paterson sustaining facial injuries. Anthony required five stitches in his lip. Paterson, who is legally blind, served as governor of New York from 2008 to 2010, following the resignation of Elliot Spitzer.
In a statement, Paterson’s spokesperson, Sean Darcy, said, “Governor Paterson and his family are glad to see the suspects turned themselves in. We hope that the young people involved learn something from this unfortunate encounter.”
Curtis Sliwa commented on the incident, explaining that the teens had been scaling a fire escape and, after being told to come down, initially walked away. Later, the teens, along with two adults, confronted Paterson and Anthony outside a McDonald’s. Sliwa said his son managed to hold them off, but both he and Paterson “stood their ground” during the attack.
Sliwa also criticized the city’s handling of crime, specifically Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s policies. “I know what’s going to happen – when and if they get arrested, Bragg will cut them loose, and they will be free to do it again and again,” Sliwa said.
Surveillance footage reportedly shows an adult in a Yankees cap, the girl with purple braids, and three young boys involved in the incident, according to the New York Post.
