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The assault on former New York Governor David Paterson and his stepson, Anthony Sliwa, unfolded on the night of October 4, 2024, in Manhattan’s Upper East Side. The incident began around 8:35 p.m. near the intersection of 96th Street and Second Avenue when Paterson and Sliwa encountered a group of five individuals. According to police reports, the attack started as a verbal altercation between the group and the victims. The situation quickly escalated, leading to a physical confrontation. Paterson, who is legally blind and 70 years old, along with his 20-year-old stepson, were struck in the face and body by the attackers.
They First Encountered Them Earlier In The Day
Earlier in the day, Sliwa had a separate encounter with the group, during which he warned them about their behavior near a building. This likely fueled the later confrontation. After the initial argument, the group of five launched their assault on the former governor and his stepson.
In the attack, Paterson was punched in the face and shoulder, while his stepson, Sliwa, was knocked to the ground. Despite the aggressive assault, both Paterson and Sliwa managed to defend themselves before the attackers fled. Sliwa required five stitches on his lower lip and suffered multiple bruises, while Paterson sustained lesser injuries. Both were treated at a local hospital and have since been released.
Authorities Arrived On Scene
Authorities responded quickly to the incident, ensuring both victims were promptly taken to a hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. Paterson’s spokesperson highlighted the former governor’s gratitude for the police’s swift action and the overwhelming support from the public. By the next day, doctors had released both Paterson and Sliwa from the hospital in stable condition. Meanwhile, the NYPD has appealed to the public for assistance in identifying the remaining suspects involved in the assault, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the investigation.
Police Later Arrested Two Teens
In connection to the October 2024 assault on former New York Governor David Paterson and his stepson, Anthony Sliwa. The New York City Police Department arrested two minors, aged 12 and 13, as part of their investigation into the case.
Police Charged Them With Gang Assault
Authorities charged the two arrested boys with gang assault. Since they are minors, officials did not release their names. However, the boys reportedly turned themselves in, a decision that Paterson’s spokesperson acknowledged and addressed in a statement. The former governor expressed gratitude that the children’s parents held them accountable, and he hoped that the young individuals would learn a lesson from the experience. Paterson also commended the NYPD for their swift work in apprehending the suspects.
Paterson’s stepson, Anthony, is the son of Curtis Sliwa, the founder of the Guardian Angels and a former New York City mayoral candidate. Curtis Sliwa praised his son’s courage in defending Paterson during the attack, asserting that Anthony’s bravery was evident in standing up to the aggressors.
What Are The Penalties Of Gang Assault
The charge of gang assault is a serious criminal offense that typically involves an attack perpetrated by multiple individuals with the intent to cause physical harm. In New York, gang assault is defined under the state’s penal law and can be charged at two levels: first-degree and second-degree gang assault, both of which are felony offenses.
What Makes Gang Assault Different From Assault
The key element that distinguishes gang assault from other forms of assault is the participation of at least three individuals who act together to cause serious physical injury to another person. The group dynamic amplifies the severity of the attack, as the involvement of multiple assailants increases the risk of significant harm or even death to the victim.
The Group Collectively Acted To Harm Them
The assault on former New York Governor David Paterson and his stepson highlights how the charge of gang assault applies when assailants act together with the intent to harm and overpower their victims. Although authorities directly apprehended only two individuals in this case, the law recognizes that a group’s collective involvement in planning or executing the attack significantly heightens the danger. Moreover, charging the two arrested minors with gang assault, despite their juvenile status, emphasizes the seriousness of the crime and underscores the legal system’s commitment to holding every group member accountable for coordinated acts of violence.
First Degree
First-degree gang assault occurs when the group causes serious physical injury, often with weapons or extreme force, and it is classified as a Class B felony, which carries a potential prison sentence of up to 25 years.
Second Degree
Second-degree gang assault, a Class C felony, requires proof that the group caused physical injury, though the harm might not be as severe as in the first degree. Both charges carry significant long-term consequences, especially when minors are involved. Courts may prosecute them as juveniles or adults, depending on the severity of the case and the judge’s discretion.
Moreover, gang assault laws specifically target the heightened danger of group violence. These laws aim to deter such behavior by categorizing collective attacks as significantly more severe than individual acts of assault, thereby underscoring the gravity of coordinated aggression.
Police Arrested Two More Individuals Later On
After the October 2024 assault on former New York Governor David Paterson and his stepson, Anthony Sliwa, authorities arrested two more individuals, increasing the total number of suspects in custody to four. Previously, police had detained two boys, aged 12 and 13, in connection with the attack. Subsequently, they apprehended a 40-year-old man and a 34-year-old woman, later identified as Travor Nurse and Diamond Minter. Both adults faced gang assault charges, with Nurse receiving an additional assault charge, further highlighting the severity of their alleged involvement.
Appeared To Be Inciting The Violence
The involvement of the two arrested adults, who are employees of the New York City Housing Authority, appeared to be in inciting the two boys to carry out the assault. Despite their employment, there was no direct connection between their jobs and the incident.
After their arrest, Paterson’s spokesperson expressed relief that authorities had apprehended the individuals and shared hope that the family could soon put the ordeal behind them. Meanwhile, the investigation continues, and authorities have not yet clarified how many additional suspects they are pursuing. These latest arrests highlight the seriousness of the charges, particularly gang assault, and demonstrate the NYPD’s commitment to bringing all involved individuals to justice.
A New Video Surfaced
A newly surfaced video showing the assault on former New York Governor David Paterson and his stepson, Anthony Sliwa, has sparked widespread outrage. The disturbing footage, captured through a McDonald’s window, shows a group of around half a dozen assailants kicking and punching Sliwa while he is on the ground. Paterson, who is legally blind, actively tries to help his stepson while the attackers relentlessly continue their assault. The video highlights the brutal nature of the attack, which took place on October 4, 2024, in Manhattan’s Upper East Side.
The video reveals the intensity of the violence, with the attackers relentlessly beating Sliwa while Paterson struggles to intervene. At one point, Paterson, despite his visual impairment, struck one of the attackers, throwing him into the window of the McDonald’s.
Curtis Sliwa, Anthony’s father and founder of the Guardian Angels, posted the video online and expressed his disgust at the attack’s brutality. He strongly criticized the involvement of two adults, Travor Nurse and Diamond Minter, who were later arrested and charged with second-degree assault. Curtis Sliwa highlighted the dangerous escalation of violence in the city, pointing out that if a former governor and his family are not safe from such attacks, no one is.
Both Adults Pleaded Not Guilty
In the October 2024 assault on former New York Governor David Paterson and his stepson, Anthony Sliwa, two adults—Diamond Minter and Travor Nurse—pleaded not guilty to felony assault charges during a court appearance. The authorities charged the two, who work together at a housing agency, following an altercation on Manhattan’s Upper East Side.
Prosecutors Stated They Escalated Situation
Prosecutors stated that Nurse and Minter escalated the situation. Nurse allegedly made aggressive gestures towards Paterson and Sliwa, which led Sliwa to shove Nurse. The conflict then turned violent, with Nurse and Minter reportedly swinging at Sliwa.
According to the prosecution, Nurse threw Sliwa to the ground, kicked him, and struck Paterson in the back of the head, causing him to fall. Minter allegedly restrained Sliwa’s arms, while two minors stomped on him. Authorities have charged the two boys, ages 12 and 13, separately in family court as part of the ongoing legal proceedings.
The Defense Argued That It Was A Misunderstanding
Nurse’s attorney, Jeffrey Chabrowe, argued that his client and Minter were trying to break up the confrontation, viewing the situation as two adults harassing children. Chabrowe emphasized that Sliwa’s martial arts skills may have played a role in how the altercation unfolded, suggesting Nurse was on the defensive.
Minter’s lawyer, Zachary Wechsler, echoed this sentiment, stating that his client became involved after seeing adults face off with children.
Court Set Bail For Both
Although Nurse and Minter pleaded not guilty, the case continues to progress. The court set Nurse’s bail at $25,000 cash or $50,000 bond, while Minter was released under supervised conditions. Both defendants are scheduled to return to court for additional proceedings. Meanwhile, Paterson’s spokesperson emphasized the family’s hope to move forward from the traumatic experience and expressed confidence that the justice system will ensure accountability.
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FAQs on David Paterson Assault Case
The assault involved a group attacking former Governor David Paterson and his stepson, Anthony Sliwa, after a verbal altercation escalated.
Four individuals have been arrested: two boys aged 12 and 13, and two adults, Travor Nurse and Diamond Minter, all facing gang assault charges.
The suspects face gang assault charges, with additional assault charges for some. The minors are being processed in family court.
The video shows Anthony Sliwa being beaten on the ground by several attackers while David Paterson attempts to protect him.
The incident has sparked public outrage, with Curtis Sliwa and others highlighting the need for justice and improved safety measures in New York City.
