A shocking incident unfolds on Manhattan's Upper East Side, involving a former state leader and his family member.
According to ABC7 New York, two young boys have been taken into custody for allegedly attacking former New York Governor David Paterson and his stepson.
The New York Police Department (NYPD) reports that the attack took place around 8:30 p.m. on Friday in front of 1871 2nd Avenue.
Paterson and his stepson, Anthony Sliwa, were reportedly taking a walk near their home when they were confronted by several individuals who had previously interacted with Sliwa. The situation quickly escalated from a verbal altercation to physical violence.
The assault involved five suspects who allegedly struck both Paterson and Sliwa in the face and body. Following the attack, the assailants fled southbound on Second Avenue.
The victims were promptly taken to Weill Cornell Medical Center for treatment, where they were listed in stable condition and later discharged early Saturday morning.
In a significant development, two boys, aged 12 and 13, turned themselves in at a police precinct accompanied by their parents. They have been charged with gang assault in connection with the attack. A third child also came forward but was not charged after police determined he was not involved in the incident.
Sean Darcy, a spokesperson for Paterson, expressed the former governor's response to the arrests:
Governor Paterson and his family are glad to see the suspects turned themselves in. We hope that the young people involved learn something from this unfortunate encounter.
Paterson, despite the traumatic incident and his legal blindness, showed remarkable resilience by addressing the media near his home. He praised his stepson's courage, emphasizing how proud his stepson should be for stepping in to protect him during the attack.
The incident has sparked discussions about public safety and youth crime in New York City. However, Paterson's spokesperson emphasized the former governor's desire to prevent the incident from being politicized:
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. He and his wife, Mary, are thankful for the quick response time from the police and the outpouring of support they have received from people across all spectrums.
While two suspects have been apprehended, the NYPD continues its search for the remaining individuals involved in the attack. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward and contact the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline.
The case has drawn attention due to Paterson's status as a former governor and the family connections involved. Anthony Sliwa, the former governor's stepson, is the son of Curtis Sliwa, a well-known figure in New York City and former Republican mayoral candidate.
In conclusion, the assault on former New York Governor David Paterson and his stepson on Manhattan's Upper East Side has resulted in the arrest of two young boys. The incident occurred during an evening walk near Paterson's home, involving multiple attackers. While two suspects are in custody, authorities continue to search for the remaining individuals involved in this high-profile case.
