Former New York governor and stepson attacked during evening walk

NEW YORK (AP) — Former New York Gov. David Paterson and his stepson suffered minor injuries when they were attacked on a Manhattan street by four men and a woman as they took an evening stroll, police said Saturday.

The 70-year-old former governor, a Democrat, and his 20-year-old stepson Anthony Sliwa were walking on an Upper East Side street around 8:30 p.m. Friday when they were attacked, the New York Police Department and a said Paterson Speaker.

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

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

In a statement, police described the attack as a “gang attack” and asked for the public’s help in learning more about the attack.

Paterson served as governor from 2008 to 2010, taking over after Gov. Eliot Spitzer resigned amid a prostitution scandal.

Sean Darcy, a spokesman for Paterson, said in a statement that the people involved in the attack appeared to have previously interacted 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 police and the tremendous support they have received from people of all stripes,” Darcy said.

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

The Associated Press