- Rep. Lee Zeldin allegedly attacked by David G. Jakubonis
- He was attacked with a sharp instrument during a campaign event in Perinton in New York on Thursday night.
- Criminal was charged with a felony and released from custody a short time later.
Rep. Lee Zeldin, R-N.Y was allegedly attacked by a man named David G. Jakubonis with a sharp instrument during a campaign event in Perinton in New York on Thursday night, reported by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department.
The attacker was later charged with a felony and released from custody a short time later. The suspect, 43-year-old Fairport, New York resident David G. Jakubonis, was accused of second-degree attempted assault.
According to the sheriff’s office, he was charged in Perinton Town Court and released on his own recognisance.
The Republican candidate for governor of New York, Zeldin, anticipated that the alleged attacker would be made public.
Early on Friday, he wrote, “Several attendees, including @EspositoforNY, instantly leapt into action & tackled the guy. His remarks as he tried to stab me earlier were ‘you’re done. “Within minutes, law enforcement arrived on the scene. The rules of New York will probably result in the attacker’s immediate release.”
When the alleged assault occurred, Zeldin was delivering a speech advocating bail reform at a Veterans of Foreign Wars post.
According to witnesses, AMVETS national Director Joe Chenelly tackled Jakubonis. Chenelly stated to that the man’s right hand “came up, I suppose out of his pocket, and he had a blade on his hand.”
“He lunged at the congressman with fingers that were like two finger holes in the blade. Congressman Zeldin also stopped the initial lunge. Then, as he attempted to attack once more, I grabbed him from behind, brought him to the ground, and then held him there.”
Following the assault, Zeldin issued the following statement: “Thank you to everyone who got in touch with me after the attack in Fairport earlier today. During this evening’s event, someone attempted to stab me on stage, but fortunately, I was able to grab his wrist and stop him until other people tackled him.
All of the other attendees, including @EspositoforNY and I, are secure. The assailant has been captured. Thankful for the attendees who offered assistance right away and the responding police officers. I’m as determined as ever to do my part to restore safety to New York.”
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