### Former Gov. David Paterson and Stepson Assaulted by Teenagers on Manhattan Sidewalk

Former New York Governor David Paterson and his stepson, Anthony Chester Sliwa, were assaulted by a group of teenagers on a sidewalk in Manhattan on Friday evening, according to police officials. The incident occurred while Sliwa was walking his dog on Second Avenue near East 96th Street on the Upper East Side.

The altercation began when the pair noticed three teenagers playing on a fire escape and told them to come down, law enforcement sources reported to NBC New York. The teens descended and followed Paterson and Sliwa to a corner, in front of a McDonald's on Second Avenue, where the attack took place.

Sliwa, 20, was punched in the face during the confrontation, police officials confirmed. Both he and Paterson sustained minor bumps and bruises and were taken to NY-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center for precautionary treatment. Paterson, 70, was struck multiple times but remained alert and appeared to be in stable condition. His stepson suffered more severe injuries, including cuts, bruises, and a possible concussion but was expected to recover.

Curtis Sliwa, the founder of the Guardian Angels and a former Republican mayoral candidate, confirmed that his son Anthony was involved in the attack and expressed his gratitude for his son's recovery.

A spokesperson for Paterson released a statement acknowledging the assault, noting that it occurred near the former governor's home and that the teenagers had a prior interaction with his stepson. The statement added that both Paterson and Sliwa fought off their attackers and filed a police report.

On Saturday morning, a follow-up statement announced that Paterson and Sliwa had been released from the hospital and thanked the police for their prompt response. Police are actively searching for the three teenagers who fled the scene immediately after the attack.

Correction: Initial reports mistakenly stated that Paterson was accompanied by his son, but he was with his stepson, Anthony Chester Sliwa.