The incident happened around 8:30 p.m. Friday in front of 1871 2nd Avenue on the Upper East Side, police say.
According to Paterson's spokesperson, the former governor and his stepson, Anthony Sliwa, were attacked while taking a walk around the block near their home by some individuals that had a previous interaction with Sliwa.
Police said following a verbal altercation, those 5 individuals struck both victims in the face and about the body.
They fled on foot heading southbound on 2 Avenue.
"They both suffered some injuries but were able to fight off their attackers. They are currently at Cornell Hospital as a precaution," Sean Darcy, the spokesman for the former governor, said on Friday night.
Paterson suffered injuries to the face and head while Sliwa suffered injuries to the face, police said. Both were taken to the hospital in stable condition.
Sliwa is former mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa's son, according to Darcy.
He noted that the two were released from the hospital early Saturday morning. "The Governor's only request is that people refrain from attempting to use an unfortunate act of violence for their own personal political gain," Darcy said.
He also said the Paterson and his wife, Mary, were thankful for the quick response from police and the outpouring of love from the community.
"Governorn Paterson's main concern today is Kodai Senga and the New York Mets," Darcy added.
Police released these descriptions of the suspects:
The first individual is described as a female with dark complexion and having purple braids. She was last seen wearing light-colored pants, a dark colored sweater, and purple-and-black sneakers.
The second individual is described as a male with dark complexion. He was last seen wearing a blue t-shirt, a black hoodie, a hat with "New York Yankees" logo, light colored jeans, and light colored sneakers.
The third individual is described as a male with light complexion. He was last seen wearing a red t-shirt, light colored pants, light colored slippers, and a black sweater tied around his waist.
The fourth individual is described as a male with medium complexion. He was last seen wearing a gray t-shirt with graphic on it, black pants, and light colored shoes.
The fifth individual is described as a male with dark complexion. He was last seen wearing a t-shirt with graphic on it, a black sweatshirt, black pants, and light colored sneakers.
Anyone with information in regard to this incident is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at https://crimestoppers.nypdonline.org/, or on X @NYPDTips.
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