Former New York governor David Paterson and his stepson were attacked while walking their dog on the Upper East Side in Manhattan on Friday night. The duo, aged 70 and 20 respectively, encountered a group of young suspects allegedly climbing a fire escape.
According to law enforcement sources cited by the New York Post, Paterson and his stepson confronted the group, urging them to stop their antics.However, as they turned to walk away, the situation escalated, and the suspects launched an attack.
“Governor Paterson and his stepson were attacked this evening while taking a walk around the block near their home by some individuals that had a previous interaction with his stepson,” NBC news quoted Paterson’s spokesperson Sean Darcy, as saying.
Both Paterson and his stepson sustained injuries during the altercation. Reports indicate that Paterson suffered a head injury, while his stepson experienced a more severe facial wound. Despite the injuries, the duo managed to fend off their attackers.
Following the attack, both men sought medical attention at a local hospital as a precautionary measure.
David Paterson served as 55th lieutenant governor of New York. He became governor in March 2008 following Spitzer’s resignation amid a prostitution scandal and opted not to seek reelection in 2010.