Former New York Gov. David Paterson and his son were attacked in an apparent gang attack

CNN
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Former New York Gov. David Paterson and his stepson were attacked Friday evening while walking near their home in New York City, according to a Paterson spokesman.

When officers arrived at the scene on Second Avenue near East 96th Street around 8:30 p.m. ET, they saw a 20-year-old man with injuries to his face and a 70-year-old man with injuries to his head, New Das shared York City police said without naming the victims.

Authorities did not provide details on how the two were injured or what led to the incident, but said they are searching for at least five people in connection with the incident.

Paterson and his stepson were attacked by “some individuals who had previous contact with his stepson,” Sean Darcy, a spokesman for Paterson, said in a statement to CNN. “Both suffered some injuries but were able to defend themselves against their attackers.”

According to an update from Darcy, the two were treated at a hospital and released.

“The governor’s only request is that people desist from attempting to exploit an unfortunate act of violence for their own personal or political gain. “He and his wife Mary are grateful for the police’s quick response time and the tremendous support they have received from people of all stripes,” Darcy said Saturday.

Paterson was sworn in as governor in March 2008 following the resignation of Governor Eliot Spitzer and left office in December 2010.

“Governor Paterson’s primary concern today is Kodai Senga and the New York Mets.
but we will provide further updates as necessary,” Darcy added.

Paterson's Mets take the field for a playoff game against the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday afternoon.