Paterson, 70, and Sliwa, 20, were assaulted by a group in what authorities are calling a “gang-related” attack. Paterson, who served as New York’s first Black governor from 2008 to 2010, recounted the event during a news conference, describing how they had fought off their assailants after an earlier altercation involving his stepson and some of the attackers.
“I got punched in the face a couple of times and in the shoulder,” Paterson said. “I have some bruises and head pain, but we managed to fend them off.”
Sliwa also suffered injuries, including a cut to his lip that required five stitches, according to Paterson. The attackers fled the scene before authorities arrived.
Two young boys, aged 12 and 13, were arrested on Saturday, facing gang assault charges. On Monday, two more arrests were made: a 40-year-old man charged with gang assault and assault, and a 34-year-old woman, also charged with gang assault. The identities of the suspects have not been released, and it remains unclear whether they have legal representation.
Police have not yet confirmed if additional suspects are being sought in connection with the attack.
The altercation has shaken the local community, where Paterson, who succeeded Governor Eliot Spitzer after his resignation in a prostitution scandal, is a well-known figure. Although the injuries sustained by Paterson and Sliwa are not life-threatening, the incident raises concerns about gang violence in the area.
Investigations are ongoing as the police continue to piece together the events that led to the attack on the former governor and his stepson.
