Former New York Governor David Paterson and his stepson were attacked on Friday night while walking near their home in New York City, according to a spokesperson for Paterson.
When officers arrived at the scene around 8:30 p.m. ET on Second Avenue near East 96th Street, they found a 20-year-old man with facial injuries and a 70-year-old man with head injuries, as reported by the New York City Police Department, which did not identify the victims.
Authorities did not disclose how the two were injured or the circumstances leading up to the incident, but they are searching for at least five individuals connected to the attack.
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Sean Darcy, a spokesperson for Paterson, stated that the attackers had a prior interaction with his stepson. “They both suffered some injuries but were able to fight off their attackers,” Darcy told CNN.
Both were treated at a hospital and subsequently released, as updated by Darcy.
“The Governor’s only request is that people refrain from using this unfortunate act of violence for their own personal or political gain. He and his wife, Mary, are thankful for the swift response from the police and the overwhelming support they have received from the community,” Darcy said on Saturday.
Paterson was sworn in as governor in March 2008 following the resignation of Governor Eliot Spitzer and served until December 2010.
“Governor Paterson’s main concern today is Kodai Senga and the New York Mets, but we will provide any additional updates as necessary,” Darcy added, noting that Paterson’s Mets were set to play a playoff game against the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday afternoon.