Former NY Gov. Paterson, stepson attacked by gang of 5 on Upper East Side

Rebecca White and Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News on Oct 5, 2024

By clicking submit, I authorize Arcamax and its affiliates to: (1) use, sell, and share my information for marketing purposes, including cross-context behavioral advertising, as described in our Privacy Policy , (2) add to information that I provide with other information like interests inferred from web page views, or data lawfully obtained from data brokers, such as past purchase or location data, or publicly available data, (3) contact me or enable others to contact me by email or other means with offers for different types of goods and services, and (4) retain my information while I am engaging with marketing messages that I receive and for a reasonable amount of time thereafter. I understand I can opt out at any time through an email that I receive, or by clicking here

NEW YORK — Former New York Gov. David Paterson and his stepson were attacked on the Upper East Side by five teens the stepson had an earlier beef with, police said Saturday.

The New York City Police Department early Saturday released surveillance images of the five suspects in the hopes someone recognizes them.

Paterson, 70, and his 20-year-old stepson Anthony Sliwa — the son of Guardian Angels’ founder and failed mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa — were walking a dog along Second Avenue near East 97th Street about 8:30 p.m. Friday when the small group confronted them, police said.

The same group had argued with Paterson’s stepson when he found them trying to climb a nearby fire escape earlier in the night. An argument ensued and the teens lunged at both men, sparking a fight.

“They both suffered some injuries but were able to fight off their attackers,” Paterson spokesman Sean Darcy said in a statement. The two men were around the block from their home when the attack took place, Darcy said.

The group punched Paterson and his stepson about the head and body during the furious attack.

Paterson, who is legally blind, suffered bruises and some pain to his head, police said. Anthony Sliwa received a cut lip in the brief brawl. Both were taken to New York Presbyterian-Weill Cornell Medical Center for treatment and observation, Darcy said.

The two were released from the hospital early Saturday morning.

“The Governor’s only request is that people refrain from attempting to use an unfortunate act of violence for their own personal or political gain,” Darcy said, adding that the governor won’t let the attack hamper his daily routine.

“Governor Paterson’s main concern today is [pitcher] Kodai Senga and the New York Mets, but we will provide any additional updates as necessary,” Darcy said, referring to Saturday afternoon’s postseason game against the Philadelphia Phillies.

The attackers ran off. No arrests have been made.

Paterson was lieutenant governor under Gov. Eliot Spitzer and took over as governor in March 2008 after Spitzer resigned mid-term following a prostitution scandal.

Paterson was New York State’s first Black governor. He served the remainder of the term, until the end of 2010, but did not seek reelection. Facing low polling numbers at the time, the Obama administration reached out to Paterson and asked he not run for office.

In 2019, he married Mary Sliwa, the ex-wife of Curtis Sliwa and co-founder of the Guardian Angels. Former Mayor David Dinkins officiated the ceremony.

The young woman in photos released by the NYPD is described as Black with purple braids. At the time of the attack she was wearing light-colored pants, a dark-colored sweater and purple and black sneakers.

One of the young men was wearing a New York Yankees hat, a black hoodie and blue T-shirt. A third suspect was wearing a red T-shirt and a black sweater tied around his waist, white sweatpants and turquoise-colored Crocs.

Cops are asking anyone with information regarding their whereabouts to call NYPD Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential.