A New York state senator and his wife were jumped by a pair of Seneca nation businessmen last night during a wild brawl in a Niagara Falls Indian casino following a black tie gala where the lawmaker had been a guest.
Republican State Sen. Mark J. Grisanti was punched in the ribs and back of the head, and his wife Maria was beaten so severely about her head and face that she sought medical attention.
According to witnesses, the melee that erupted when the Senator attempted to make peace between two Native American businessmen who were loudly arguing in a lobby bar after the event at Seneca Niagara Casino and Hotel Events Center.
Grisanti allegedly said: “Hey guys, calm down. This is a nice event. Relax, cool down,” said a source close Grisanti told The Post.
When one of the men asked Grisanti who he was, the senator identified himself.
Then, the businessman, “punches Mark in the ribs and says, ‘You’re no [blanking] good. You hate the Indians!'” the person close to Grisanti said.
“You haven’t done anything for us,” another source said Grisanti was told.
The senator then was punched in the back of the head.
When Maria came to her husband’s aid, at least one of the women began attacking her, the source said.
“The women started jumping on her, pulling her hair,” one source said. “Mark tried to pull the women off his wife, who’s on the ground, getting kicked and punched.”
“They were banging his wife’s head on the floor,” the source said. “Grisanti then went off on them.”
One of the businessmen and two women involved in the fight have been arrested, the other was still being sought by cops.
Niagara Falls police declined to comment or provide any further information.
According to the source, Grisanti’s daughter was had been asked to sing with a Las Vegas variety act, performing at the black-tie Seneca Diabetes Foundation’s seventh annual Chairman’s Ball.
After the event, Grisanti, his family and friends retired to the casino’s downstairs to toast his daughter’s performance with a glass of wine, when he noticed the two Native American businessmen arguing.
Seneca Nation of Indians President Robert Odawi Porter disavowed any ties the melee and offers his apologies sympathies to Grisanti and his wife.
“The Seneca Nation has no formal ties to the Diabetes Foundation, nor does Seneca Gaming Corp. and therefore no direct connection to the events that occurred Friday night after the Foundation’s gala.¤.¤..I would hope for better behavior and conduct from everyone at such an event as this, although it transpired sometime after the gala ended. Sadly, one cannot control individual behavior. On behalf of the Seneca Nation, I extend my heartfelt sympathy to Sen. Grisanti, his wife Maria and their family.”