Police: Former New York governor and stepson assaulted during evening walk

NEW YORK– Former New York Governor David Paterson and his stepson suffered minor injuries when they were attacked on a Manhattan street by four men and a woman while out for an evening walk, police said Saturday.

The 70-year-old former governor, a Democrat, and his 20-year-old stepson, Anthony Sliwa, were walking down an Upper East Side street around 8:30 p.m. Friday when they were attacked, New York police and a… spokesperson for Paterson said.

Both were treated at a nearby hospital for minor facial injuries and released early Saturday, authorities said.

Paterson, who is legally blind, also suffered minor injuries to his body.

In a statement, police labeled the attack a “gang attack” and sought help from the public to learn more about the attack.

Paterson served as governor from 2008 to 2010, taking the position after Governor Eliot Spitzer resigned over a prostitution scandal.

Sean Darcy, a spokesman for Paterson, said in a statement that the people involved in the attack apparently had previous interactions with Sliwa.

Paterson and Sliwa were able to fend off their attackers, Darcy said.

Paterson and his wife, Mary, “are grateful for the quick response time from law enforcement and the outpouring of support they have received from people across all spectrums,” Darcy said.

He added that Paterson’s biggest concern Saturday was New York Mets pitcher Kodai Senga as he leads the Mets in their opening playoff game against the Philadelphia Phillies.