Former New York Governor David Paterson and his 20-year-old stepson, Anthony Sliwa, were violently assaulted in Manhattan’s Upper East Side in a shocking incident that has reignited concerns about the city’s rising crime. Paterson, who is legally blind, and Sliwa were walking their family dog on a Friday evening when they were brutally attacked by a group of at least five individuals, including two minors. The assault occurred around 8:30 p.m. and left both men hospitalized with facial injuries and bruises.
The attack appears to have been premeditated, escalating from a confrontation that took place just 45 minutes earlier. According to reports, Sliwa had encountered a group of teenagers attempting to climb a fire escape, a common method for vandals and burglars in the city. After Sliwa confronted them, the group dispersed, only to return later, accompanied by adults, to carry out the assault.
The violent attack has shaken many New Yorkers, especially since it involved a former governor and his stepson. In recent years, crime has been a significant issue in New York City, with many arguing that lenient policies have turned the city into a more dangerous place for residents. Paterson’s assault serves as a grim reminder of the increasing risks that even prominent individuals face in a city once known for its safety improvements.
Video footage of the attack, now widely circulated on social media, shows Paterson and Sliwa being approached and physically assaulted by the group. One woman, reportedly an adult “reinforcement” brought in by the teenagers, was seen throwing the first punches. The group then turned on Sliwa, violently beating him to the ground while other members taunted him. Paterson, despite his disability, was also punched and kicked during the attack.
Ex-NY Gov. David Paterson, stepson attacked by gang of young suspects while walking dog on UES: sources pic.twitter.com/ziHp0uSBCY
— New York Post (@nypost) October 5, 2024
Curtis Sliwa, founder of the Guardian Angels and former Republican candidate for New York City mayor, confirmed the details of the assault in a post on social media, expressing outrage over the involvement of both minors and adults in the attack. Curtis Sliwa has been a vocal critic of the city’s leadership and its inability to control rising crime rates. He decried the situation, stating, “If a former Governor can’t even be safe from violence, no one is safe. Too many NYC families have had a loved one fall victim to violence.”
According to Curtis, both Paterson and his stepson stood their ground despite the overwhelming odds. However, the escalation by the two adult attackers, one of whom reportedly kicked Sliwa while he was on the ground, intensified the brutality of the assault.
In the wake of the attack, the NYPD quickly identified and arrested the culprits. Two minors, aged 12 and 13, were taken into custody on Saturday and charged with gang assault. Authorities also arrested two adults who were involved in the attack: 40-year-old Travor Nurse and 34-year-old Diamond Minter, both employees of the New York City Housing Authority. Nurse faces an additional charge of second-degree assault for attacking a victim over the age of 65, an aggravating factor due to Paterson’s age.
This high-profile incident has further spotlighted the issue of youth involvement in gang violence in New York City. While the two adults have been charged with gang-related crimes, the involvement of minors in such violent acts has alarmed local leaders and residents alike.
The attack on David Paterson and his stepson is not an isolated incident. Over the past few years, New York City has seen a worrying uptick in violent crime, including robberies, assaults, and gang-related activities. Many residents feel that crime is becoming more frequent and more violent, affecting communities across all five boroughs.
Critics have pointed to city leadership and law enforcement policies that they say have been too lenient in recent years. Calls for criminal justice reform and softer penalties for minor offenses have led to what some perceive as a less effective deterrent against crime. As a result, incidents like the one involving Paterson and Sliwa are becoming alarmingly common.
Following the attack, there has been renewed pressure on local officials to address the crime wave in New York City. Curtis Sliwa and other prominent voices have called for tougher penalties for violent offenders and increased policing in neighborhoods where gang activity is prevalent.
Sliwa’s statement summed up the feelings of many frustrated New Yorkers: “We have escalating violence in our city every day. If we don’t get our city back in order, we will never be able to keep our most vulnerable residents safe.” This sentiment resonates with many residents who are growing increasingly anxious about the safety of their communities.
While the attackers in this case have been arrested and will face charges, the broader issue of crime in New York remains. Mayor Eric Adams and other city leaders have promised reforms to address the rising violence, but incidents like the Paterson-Sliwa assault serve as stark reminders that much more needs to be done. Until significant changes are made, the sense of insecurity in New York City is unlikely to fade, leaving many residents wondering when, or if, the city will regain its former status as a safe place to live.
