**Former New York Governor David Paterson and Stepson Assaulted, Minors Arrested**

**NEW YORK (AP)** - On Friday evening, former New York Governor David Paterson and his stepson, Anthony Sliwa, were victims of an assault on Manhattan's Upper East Side. The incident, which took place at approximately 8:30 p.m., resulted in minor injuries and the subsequent arrest of two young boys.

Paterson, 70, and Sliwa, 20, were ambushed during a walk. Though their injuries were not severe, they both required medical attention for facial injuries. As Paterson is legally blind, he also sustained additional injuries to his body. Both boys involved in the attack, aged 12 and 13, have been charged with gang assault. Their identities remain undisclosed due to their minor status.

Authorities have indicated that the assault involved a group of at least five individuals and are soliciting public assistance for further information.

Paterson, who made history as New York's first Black governor and served from 2008 to 2010 after the resignation of Eliot Spitzer, spoke out about the incident. He recounted that his stepson was initially confronted while walking the family dog. When Sliwa warned the group to cease climbing a fire escape on Second Avenue or else he would call the police, tensions ensued.

Later that evening, as Paterson and Sliwa strolled through the area, they crossed paths with the same group, leading to a verbal altercation followed by the physical assault. Despite facing multiple attackers, Sliwa managed to defend himself and his stepfather, although he sustained a facial cut that necessitated several stitches.

This incident highlights ongoing safety concerns within the city and underscores the challenges faced by public figures even after their tenure in office. Authorities continue to investigate and urge anyone with information to come forward.