On Thursday, the Republican candidate for New York Governor, Lee Zeldin, was attacked by the suspect, David Jakubonis, with a bladed weapon in his hand with the attack video viral
Zelden was giving a speech on stage in Perinton, Monroe County, around 8 pm local time when this man made his way up from the crowd and started wrestling.
Know Who Is David Jakubonis Man Who Carried Out Attack On Lee Zeldin As Video Goes Viral, Age, Biography, US Army Career, News
A video surfaced on the internet showcasing a male grabbing Zeldin’s arm before the other intervene and fall down. However, according to the authorities, they have charged the 43-year-old suspect from Fairport. A felony attempted assault charge was filed in Perinton Town Court by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office against the man.
David Jakubonis, a veteran of the US military, has been charged with attempted assault in the second degree for allegedly trying to stab Lee but was released owing to the lax laws in New York.
Here is video of the attack involving Rep. Zeldin from witness Cody Crippen pic.twitter.com/Ur1CfpkdsS
— Nick Reisman (@NickReisman) July 22, 2022
His words as he tried to stab me a few hours ago were “you’re done”, but several attendees, including @EspositoforNY, quickly jumped into action & tackled the guy.
Law enforcement was on the scene within minutes.
The attacker will likely be instantly released under NY’s laws. pic.twitter.com/wZEyIyrjFe
— Lee Zeldin (@leezeldin) July 22, 2022
Meanwhile, Zelden took to his Twitter handle to share his statement.
He thanked everyone who showed their support on his Twitter page after the incident. He said, “Thank you to everyone who reached out following tonight’s attack in Fairport. “Someone tried to stab me on stage during this evening’s rally, but unfortunately, I was able to grab his wrist and stop him for a few moments until others tackled him.”
Thank you to all who reached out following tonight’s attack. Grateful I was able to grab onto his wrist in time when he lunged for my neck. Grateful many individuals on site quickly jumped in & tackled him. Grateful for the local law enforcement who apprehended the attacker.🙏
— Lee Zeldin (@RepLeeZeldin) July 22, 2022
His campaign also released a statement stating that there is a lot of work that needs to be done to make New York safe again as the situation is getting out of hand.
His rival in the leadership race, Kathy Hochul, who is the New York governor, also came to his support and condemned the act, saying that this behavior has no chance to have a place in New York. In 2021, Zeldin became New York’s first female governor, while Hochul represents New York’s 1st Congressional district as a Republican.
My team has informed me about the incident at Lee Zeldin's campaign event tonight. Relieved to hear that Congressman Zeldin was not injured and that the suspect is in custody. I condemn this violent behavior in the strongest terms possible — it has no place in New York.
— Kathy Hochul (@KathyHochul) July 22, 2022
However, Jakubonis was released from jail within a couple of hours on his own recognizance. A gubernatorial Twitter on Friday said that the law enforcement was on the scene within minutes and the attacker was instantly released under NY’s laws. Furthermore, social media had a mixed reaction to the incredulity and swift release. One of the tweets said that New York has truly become a sick place that is run by criminals.