Reports from the New York Police Department say that Paterson, 70, and his stepson, Anthony Sliwa, 20, were attacked by five people at about 8:30 p.m. on Friday following a verbal altercation. 

The former Democratic governor reportedly suffered minor injuries to his face and body, and Sliwa sustained minor face injuries. Both were taken to New York Presbyterian Hospital and released Saturday morning.

“Governor Paterson’s main concern today is Kodai Senga and the New York Mets,” the spokesperson told Bloomberg upon their discharge, referencing the MLB playoffs and the Mets’ starting pitcher.

Reports indicate that Paterson and Sliwa were on a walk near their home when they encountered the group of five. Sliwa previously interacted with them, but the details of that encounter are not known.

The five alleged assailants, who have not been identified, ran away and are still being pursued by authorities. 

Paterson, the first black governor of the Empire State, served from 2008 to 2010 following the resignation of Eliot Spitzer, who stepped down after being connected to a high-end prostitution ring.  

Sliwa is the biological son of Curtis Sliwa, a conservative radio personality and founder of the anti-crime group Guardian Angels. The Senior Sliwa also ran against Eric Adams for NYC mayor in 2021.

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A spokesman for Paterson told the New York Times that the family is appreciative of the “outpouring of support” they have received but wants to ensure that the incident is not exploited in a tumultuous political season ahead of the 2024 elections.

“The governor’s only request is that people refrain from attempting to use an unfortunate act of violence for their own personal or political gain,” said the spokesman.