Former New York Governor David Paterson recently spoke out about the leniency of New York’s laws towards juvenile offenders, following a violent attack on himself and his stepson by a group of youths. In an interview on 770 WABC radio, Paterson expressed his frustration with how the criminal justice system now treats young offenders with kid gloves, citing an overcorrection from past abuses of juveniles in detention facilities.
The incident in question occurred on October 4th, when Paterson and his stepson, Anthony Sliwa, were walking their dog on the Upper East Side and were confronted by a group of rowdy youngsters. Sliwa, the son of Guardian Angels founder Curtis Sliwa, had initially scolded the youths for climbing on a fire escape, leading to a heated exchange. Later, the same group returned with two city Housing Authority workers, escalating the situation into a physical altercation.
Surveillance footage of the incident shocked Paterson, who admitted that the attack was more severe than he had initially realized. He even mentioned the possibility of blacking out during the assault, given the intensity of the violence. The former Governor described how one of the assailants sucker-punched him from behind, causing him to fall to the ground with no recollection of the moment.
Following the incident, the NYPD arrested the two Housing Authority workers, Trevor Nurse and Diamond Minter, charging them with second-degree assault. Additionally, three young boys, aged 12 and 13, turned themselves in and were also charged with assault. One of the boys was released without charges after it was determined that he was not directly involved in the attack.
Paterson has been vocal in calling for harsh punishment for the adults involved in the attack, insisting that they should face the full extent of the law. He described the video evidence as showing a brutal assault on his stepson, with Paterson himself getting physically involved to defend his family. Despite being legally blind, Paterson recounted how he fought back against one of the attackers, emphasizing that the adults were the ones who escalated the situation.
In conclusion, the incident involving David Paterson and his stepson has sparked a conversation about the treatment of juvenile offenders in New York and the need for a balanced approach to justice. Paterson’s firsthand experience has shed light on the challenges faced by victims of violent crimes and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.
