Shocking new footage has emerged of an attack on former New York Gov. David Paterson and his stepson in New York City. The attack was captured on video and shared by Guardian Angels founder Curtis Sliwa, whose son is Paterson’s stepson. In the video, two city housing authority workers and a group of teens can be seen allegedly beating Paterson and his stepson while they were out walking their dog. Sliwa expressed outrage over the attack, stating that no one is safe from violence, not even a former Governor.
Following the attack, two teens were arrested in connection with the incident. They were a 12-year-old male who was charged with second-degree gang assault and a 13-year-old male who was charged with third-degree gang assault. Police are still searching for five other suspects believed to have been involved in the attack. The incident occurred on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and left Paterson with a head injury and his stepson with a more severe facial injury. Both were treated at a local hospital following the assault.
The situation escalated when five unidentified individuals confronted Paterson and Sliwa, leading to a verbal altercation that turned physical. Sliwa’s stepson first encountered three of the teens climbing a fire escape and later got into an argument with them. Paterson and his stepson then encountered the same teens and their friends on Second Avenue, leading to further arguments and the involvement of two adults who escalated the situation. Paterson later reported being punched in the face and shoulder during the altercation.
New York City Housing Authority employees were arrested in connection with the attack, with one individual claiming self-defense and alleging that Paterson’s son had punched him in the eye. Sliwa emphasized the importance of the video footage in providing evidence of the attack and refuting claims by the assailants that they were acting as peacemakers. He questioned how the case would be handled by the authorities and criticized the response of Alvin Bragg, the Manhattan district attorney.
Paterson, who is legally blind, and his stepson were treated for their injuries following the attack. Both were released from the hospital with bruises and minor injuries. Paterson expressed gratitude for the support they received and requested that people refrain from using the violent incident for personal or political gain. The Governor served as governor from 2008 to 2010, taking office after Gov. Eliot Spitzer’s resignation. The incident has sparked concerns about random acts of violence in New York City and the need for greater public safety measures.
