The former Governor of New York, David Paterson, and his stepson, Anthony Chester Sliwa, faced a chilling assault recently on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.
While walking their dog, both were suddenly targeted by a small group, resulting in minor injuries, New York Post reported.
David Paterson, who is 70 years old and legally blind, was with his stepson when they encountered three youths and two adults behaving suspiciously. The incident unfolded on a Friday evening as the family engaged in a routine dog walk. Events escalated into a violent encounter, prompting a visit to the hospital for both victims.
According to police reports, Anthony Chester Sliwa spotted the group climbing near a fire escape, which initiated the confrontation. He urged the group to get down, which subsequently led to further altercation near a local McDonald's.
This escalated altercation involved both verbal and physical confrontations, leading to Paterson receiving multiple bruises and his stepson sustaining a busted lip along with a possible concussion, for which he had a CAT scan. By Saturday morning, the medical team released both individuals from the hospital after assessing their conditions.
The New York Police Department acted swiftly, releasing surveillance footage and photos of the suspects involved. These efforts are part of a broader attempt to clamp down on a rising tide of assaults in the city.
As the news of the attack spread, Curtis Sliwa, the founder of the Guardian Angels and father of Anthony Chester Sliwa, publicly expressed his frustration with the handling of crime in Manhattan by the current district attorney's office. Curtis Sliwa, who is now running for mayor under a law and order campaign, criticized the perceived leniency of local law enforcement.
Curtis Sliwa remarked on the family's ordeal:
Anthony was compelled to take action largely due to Governor Paterson’s vision impairment, helping to fend off the attackers. Despite his blindness, the governor actively participated in defending both himself and his family, showing courage under fire.
The assault has drawn considerable attention, partly due to David Paterson's frequent contributions to WABC Radio. The station’s owner, John Catsimidis, voiced his concern for both Paterson and Anthony, praising their bravery during the incident.
Meanwhile, spokesmen like Sean Darcy have requested the public and media to respect the privacy and dignity of those involved, urging against exploiting the assault for political gain.
With a 5% increase in citywide assaults this year and a stark 40% rise over the past five years, Curtis Sliwa’s campaign resonates with those concerned about urban safety. His remarks underscore the community's challenges: “This is another attack plaguing the Upper East Side... There are no rules any longer – anyone, even if you’re elderly, is prone to be attacked.”
In conclusion, the assault on former Governor David Paterson and his stepson Anthony Chester Sliwa serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges facing New York City's law enforcement and judiciary.
The incident reflects not only the personal bravery of the victims but also highlights broader issues of safety and justice in urban environments.
