Former New York Gov. David Paterson’s stepson was injured in a “gang attack” in New York

NEW YORK — Former New York Gov. David Paterson and his stepson were victims of a “gang attack” in New York City on Friday evening, authorities said.

Police are looking for five people in connection with the attack. Paterson, 70, and his stepson – 20-year-old Anthony Sliwa, the eldest son of the Guardian Angels founder and former mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa – were taken to a local hospital and have since been released.

Former New York Governor David Paterson speaks out after the attack in New York

According to the New York City Police Department, the incident occurred just before 9 p.m. on Second Avenue near East 96th Street on Manhattan’s Upper East Side.

While speaking to reporters on Saturday, Paterson said it all started when he and his stepson were walking their dog and saw three people climbing up a fire escape.

“[Anthony Sliwa] warned her that he would call the police. They came down, had kind of a brief argument and that was the end of it,” Paterson said.

About 45 minutes later, the two went back out without the dog, and Paterson says the crowd grew, possibly recognizing Anthony Sliwa from the first encounter, and became violent.

“He held off as many other people as he could, but then it became four on one, five on one, six on one, and he was thrown to the ground and was dazed from the experience,” Paterson said. “I got hit in the face a few times. I got a punch on the shoulder.”

They were both taken to Weill Cornell Medical Center. Anthony Sliwa had to have five stitches in his lower lip and sustained several bruises.

Paterson and his stepson were released Saturday morning, according to a spokesman.

“Governor Paterson and his stepson Anthony were sent home early this morning. The governor’s only request is that people desist from attempting to exploit an unfortunate act of violence for their own personal or political gain. He and his wife Mary are grateful.” The police’s quick response time and the outpouring of support they have received from people from all walks of life is Governor Paterson’s greatest concern today Kodai Senga and the New York Metsbut we will provide further updates as necessary,” the spokesperson’s statement said.

Curtis Sliwa reacts to the attack on his son

“As a father, this is very personal for me. My first instinct is that I want revenge,” Curtis Sliwa said Saturday.

Although Anthony Sliwa and Paterson say the 20-year-old is trained in martial arts, Curtis Sliwa says he has lost his peace of mind.

“He did the right thing. And then when they attacked him, he did the right thing to protect David Paterson,” Curtis Sliwa said.

Paterson said neither he nor his stepson recognized the attackers and did not believe the attack was based on Paterson’s past in politics. Paterson, a Democrat, was governor from 2008 to 2010. He took office after Eliot Spitzer resigned following a prostitution scandal. Paterson made history at the time, the state’s first black and blind governor.

Paterson praised his stepson for protecting him as best he could.

“When they insulted him and then started fighting him, he didn’t back down. And I think that took a lot of courage, a lot of bravery,” Paterson said.

Police said there have been no arrests and the investigation is ongoing. police released images of several suspects they are looking for.

Anyone with information is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477)or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). You can also submit a tip via the website or via DM on Twitter. @NYPDTips. All calls are treated confidentially.

Katie Houlis and Mark Prussin contributed to this report.