Former New York Gov. Paterson and stepson attacked in Manhattan while on walk

Former New York Gov. David Paterson and his stepson were attacked Friday while on a walk in Manhattan by assailants who had “a previous interaction” with the stepson, a spokesperson for Paterson said.

Paterson, 70, and his adult stepson both went to a hospital as precaution after the attack on Second Avenue in East Harlem, according to Paterson’s spokesperson, Sean Darcy, and New York City police.

“Governor Paterson and his stepson were attacked this evening while taking a walk around the block near their home by some individuals that had a previous interaction with his stepson,” Darcy said in a statement.

“They both suffered some injuries but were able to fight off their attackers,” Darcy said.

Paterson was lieutenant governor under Gov. Eliot Spitzer and took over as governor in March 2008 after Spitzer resigned mid-term following a prostitution scandal. Paterson served the remainder of the term, until the end of 2010. He did not seek reelection.

A police report has been filed, Darcy said.

Police said when officers arrived, Paterson had injuries to his head and another man had injuries to his face. Both are in stable condition.