By Luis De Jesus
05 Oct 2024, 23:57 PM EDT
Former New York Governor David Paterson and his stepson Anthony Sliwa were victims of a violent assault on Manhattan’s Upper East Side on Friday night.
According to the authorities, cited by CBS News, The attack involved a gang of five people and they said the police are currently searching for them.
The incident occurred near Second Avenue and East 96th Street around 9:00 p.m.
David Paterson and his stepson, son of Curtis Sliwa, founder of Guardian Angels and former New York mayoral candidate, were taken to Weill Cornell Medical Center. There, they were treated for injuries and later released.
In statements to the press, the former governor said that the confrontation began when he and his stepson were walking their dog and observed three people on the stairs.
Anthony Sliwa warned them that he would call the police, leading to a brief argument that appeared to end without incident. However, approximately 45 minutes later, when he left again, the situation worsened.
A larger group confronted them and the attack intensified: Paterson was hit in the face and shoulder, while his stepson was attacked by several attackers.
“Four, five, up to six people attacked him. “He did what he could to defend himself,” explained the former governor according to the review. CBSNews.
Anthony Sliwa suffered several bruises and received five stitches on his lower lip. Despite his knowledge in martial arts, the young man was stunned by the violent confrontation.
Curtis Sliwa, Anthony’s father, expressed his anguish and said that his son acted correctly at all times and that, although he is physically recovered, he lost his peace of mind.
Paterson, for his part, ruled out that the attack was politically motivated and praised his stepson’s bravery for protecting him during the assault.
The New York police are investigating the incident and released images of several suspects involved in the incident. So far, there have been no arrests.
The former governor, known for being the state’s first black and legally blind governor, thanked the community for its support and the quick intervention of the police.
In a statement, he asked that this event not be used for political or personal purposes.
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