Former New York Governor David Paterson and his stepson Anthony Chester Sliwa violently attacked by teens and NYC Housing Authority workers in Manhatt
Former New York
Governor David Paterson and Stepson Beaten by Teens and NYC Housing Workers in
Manhattan
New York, NY – Former
New York Governor David Paterson, who is legally blind, and his stepson Anthony
Chester Sliwa, were violently attacked on October 4, 2024, in Manhattan’s Upper
East Side by a group of teenagers and two employees of the New York City
Housing Authority (NYCHA). The assault, which left both men injured, has
sparked public outrage and highlighted concerns about rising street violence in
New York City.
The incident occurred
around 8:30 p.m. as Paterson, 70, and his stepson, 20, were walking their dog
near Second Avenue. According to Curtis Sliwa, the founder of the Guardian
Angels and father of Anthony, his son had earlier confronted three teens who
were climbing a fire escape. He warned them to come down or he would call the
police. The teens complied, but the confrontation did not end there.
Later that evening, the
pair encountered the group again, this time accompanied by others, including
the NYCHA workers, identified as Trevor Nurse, 40, and Diamond Minter, 34. A
verbal altercation escalated into a violent brawl, with Paterson and his
stepson being physically assaulted by both the teens and the adults.
Surveillance footage
captured by a bystander and shared by Curtis Sliwa on social media shows the
brutal attack. In the video, the teens are seen verbally taunting the former
governor and his stepson before the two NYCHA employees escalated the situation
by joining the assault. Anthony Sliwa was repeatedly kicked and punched on the
ground, while Paterson was struck several times in the face and on the
shoulder.
Despite the severity of
the assault, both Paterson and his stepson were treated and released from the
hospital shortly after. Paterson sustained bruises to his face and head, while
Anthony received a cut to his lip that required five stitches.
In an interview with
local media, Paterson recounted the events, expressing disbelief at how quickly
a verbal confrontation spiraled into violence. “The kids didn’t start the
fight,” Paterson explained. “They were arguing. But when the adults got
involved, that’s when the real violence started.”
Police arrested two
teens, aged 12 and 13, who have been charged with gang assault, although their
names have been withheld due to their age. Nurse and Minter, the NYCHA workers
involved, were also arrested and charged with gang assault and assault. Despite
their charges, both claimed that they were acting in self-defense. Nurse, who
was seen with a black eye when taken into custody, claimed, “He attacked me,”
without clarifying who he was referring to.
Curtis Sliwa expressed
his outrage at the legal defense presented by the two adults. In a series of
posts on social media, he called for justice, accusing Manhattan District
Attorney Alvin Bragg of siding with criminals. “If [Bragg] doesn’t defend
Paterson, a lifelong friend who came up in the Democratic party ranks with him,
who will he defend?” Sliwa stated.
Sliwa went on to
emphasize the trauma his son experienced, stating that if Paterson hadn’t
intervened, his son might not have survived the attack. “These random attacks
are out of control. Everyone is subject to attack – any time, any place,” Sliwa
said in an interview with Fox News Digital.
The NYPD is continuing
its investigation and has requested public assistance in identifying five
additional suspects involved in the attack. Authorities have also released
descriptions of the suspects as part of the ongoing manhunt.
Paterson served as New
York’s governor from 2008 to 2010 after Eliot Spitzer resigned amid a scandal.
In a statement to the press, Paterson expressed gratitude for the quick
response of law enforcement and the support from the public but urged people
not to use the incident for personal or political gain.
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