New York, NY — In a disturbing incident in Manhattan’s Upper East Side, former New York Governor David Paterson and his stepson, Anthony Sliwa, were assaulted by two adults and two teenagers last Friday. The attackers, reported to be city housing authority workers and two young boys, confronted the pair outside of a residential address at approximately 8:30 p.m.
Paterson, 70, who is legally blind, was reportedly punched, and Sliwa, 20, was shoved to the sidewalk and kicked during the confrontation. Both victims were swiftly hospitalized at Weill Cornell Medical Center. Paterson sustained a head injury while Sliwa suffered facial injuries. They were discharged the following day.
The New York Police Department acted quickly, arresting four individuals involved in the assault. Travor Nurse, 40, and Diamond Minter, 34, face charges of second-degree gang assault and assault injuring a victim 65 or older. The boys, aged 12 and 13, were charged with gang assault. A third minor was also questioned but not charged.
The melee is said to have erupted following an argument, although details about what sparked the dispute remain unclear. The community and local authorities were shocked by the violence, particularly given Paterson’s status as a former public servant who continues to contribute to New York’s development through his work with Las Vegas Sands Corp.
Curtis Sliwa, father of the younger victim and founder of the Guardian Angels, expressed his distress over the incident on social media. He highlighted the attack as indicative of a broader issue of safety and violence in New York City. The former mayoral candidate emphasized that even high-profile figures are not exempt from the city’s rising public safety challenges.
In his comments, Paterson commended his stepson’s bravery for intervening during the attack. Despite their traumatic experience, Paterson’s family expressed relief that the assailants had been apprehended and hoped that this event would serve as a learning opportunity for the young attackers.
The incident has sparked a conversation in the community and among city officials about the safety of public figures and ordinary citizens alike in New York City. The involvement of city employees in such violent acts has raised concerns regarding the conduct and the vetting of individuals in public service roles.
As Paterson recovers, his professional endeavors continue as he plays a significant role in Las Vegas Sands Corp.’s quest to secure a casino license in downstate New York. This incident underlines the ongoing challenges faced by public figures and highlights the pressing issues of urban violence and security.