Two young boys, aged 12 and 13, have been arrested following the street attack on former New York Governor David Paterson and his stepson, Anthony Sliwa, which took place on Friday evening. The altercation transpired on Manhattan's Upper East Side at approximately 8:30 PM, leading to both Paterson and Sliwa suffering injuries and requiring hospitalization.
The two suspects turned themselves in to the police along with their parents around 8 PM the following day. Their names have not been disclosed due to their minor status. The younger boy faces charges of second-degree gang assault, whereas the older boy has been charged with third-degree gang assault, as reported by the New York Police Department (NYPD).
According to NYPD, the initial conflict began as verbal arguments when the former governor and his stepson confronted the boys, who were allegedly climbing on the fire escape of their building. Patricia described how the incident escalated later when they returned home, and the group reportedly recognized Sliwa and became violent.
“The scene drew quite the crowd, and before they knew it, it became apparent they were not just dealing with the two returning from the fire escape but ended up surrounded by this group,” said Paterson’s spokesperson.
Witnesses mentioned observing some sort of feud preceding the attack, as Paterson recounted. Initially viewing it as mere children being mischievous, the situation soon turned alarming. The family was walking their dog when Sliwa noticed the youngsters scaling the building, leading him to admonish them about the dangers of climbing so carelessly. “They seemed to think they were above it all,” Paterson noted.
Following the boys’ confrontation with Sliwa and Paterson, the physical assault ensued, which included punches and blows to the body. The former governor stated, “They struck me multiple times, and as I turned to check on my stepson, I realized he was already down on the ground.” Both victims managed to escape to safety, but not without visible injuries.
While Sliwa suffered significant injuries, including multiple facial bruises and stitches for cuts obtained during his struggle, Paterson also revealed physical pain, even as he dealt with his own challenges of being legally blind. “Both of us were simply trying to go about our evening, and it’s just disheartening to be targeted like this,” he expressed.
Law enforcement, initially investigating the incident, indicated they were searching for more individuals potentially involved, with reports highlighting there might have been up to five attackers. The NYPD acknowledged the need for additional information from the community for this case.
Commanding Officer Veronica Hargrove said on Saturday, “While we have taken two suspects, we continue to urge any witnesses or individuals with information to come forward. Every detail counts.”
After being treated for their injuries, both Paterson and Sliwa were later released from the hospital and are recovering. Paterson’s spokesperson mentioned their gratitude for the swift police response, remarking, “We hope this is a learning moment for these young individuals involved.”
David Paterson, who served as the first African American governor of New York from 2008 to 2010, has since been vocal about the situation. He explained, “This sort of violence can happen to anyone, but we must look for peaceful ways to resolve conflicts. The young people involved should reflect on their actions and the consequences they hold.” His message echoed across community leaders and advocates who are focused on decreasing violence.
Both Paterson and Sliwa’s father, the founder of the Guardian Angels, Curtis Sliwa, commended each other’s bravery not just for confronting their attackers but for how they handled the ensuing chaos with courage and responsibility. “What this speaks to is strength of character even when faced with aggression,” Curtis noted, adding, “It's imperative we teach our youth to uphold respect and value human dignity.”
This incident has sparked broader conversations within the community related to juvenile behavior, public safety, and the responsibility of parents. Local authorities are emphasizing the need for programs aimed at youth engagement, hoping to stem similar occurrences through proactive measures and initiatives.
Paterson also highlighted the importance of community accountability, acknowledging both the attackers and their families should participate actively in creating safer neighborhoods. He stated publicly, “While the rule of law must take its course, we all have the duty to raise responsible adults.”
Without dismissing the severity of the altercation, he left the public with optimism for constructive change through dialogue and community unity. The former governor expressed appreciation for the local and state efforts to address youth crime, ending on this note, “Every child deserves the chance to grow up without fear and with the right guidance.”
Paterson’s commitment to community service continues to be evident, as he remains engaged with various initiatives focusing on public safety and support systems aimed at transitioning at-risk youths. This recent attack, though disturbing, emphasizes the necessity of-focused efforts to detour youth away from violence and give attention to community-based solutions.
Both the Paterson family and their supporters hope for healing not just for themselves but for the involved youths who displayed reckless behavior. The community waits on outcomes from the police investigation as it reflects on this serious incident. We expect more dialogue will arise from this as encouragement for others who have suffered similar aggressions to voice their stories and demand change for future safety.
