NEW YORK – Two individuals have been charged in connection with an altercation involving former New York Governor David Paterson and his stepson, as their defense asserts they were attempting to de-escalate a confrontation.
Diamond Minter and Travor Nurse entered not guilty pleas on felony assault charges arising from the incident that took place on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.
The encounter began when Anthony Sliwa, Paterson’s 20-year-old stepson and son of Guardian Angels founder Curtis Sliwa, engaged in a dispute with a group of young individuals near his residence. The tensions escalated when Paterson and Sliwa encountered the same group outside a nearby fast-food establishment.
Manhattan prosecutors contend that Minter and Nurse intervened aggressively during the confrontation. Allegations include Nurse targeting the legally blind Paterson and Sliwa, with mutual physical exchanges ensuing. Reports claim that Nurse knocked Sliwa to the ground and struck him, while Minter allegedly interfered during the scuffle that involved two minors, aged 12 and 13, who are facing charges in family court.
Furthermore, prosecutors indicated that Nurse struck Paterson from behind, resulting in the former governor falling to the ground.
Nurse’s attorney stated that his client and Minter, who work together at a housing agency, were misinterpreted as antagonists. The attorney noted that they intended to mitigate what they perceived as an adult confrontation over children.
A spokesperson for Paterson expressed that the incident was distressing for him and his family, emphasizing their desire to move forward from the experience while expressing confidence in the judicial process.
Bail for Nurse has been set at $25,000 cash or $50,000 bond, while Minter was released on supervised terms. Both defendants are scheduled to return to court later this week.
Paterson, a Democrat, served as governor from 2008 to 2010, assuming office following Gov. Eliot Spitzer’s resignation.
