President Joe Biden has denounced the attack on Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-NY) after a man wearing spiked brass knuckles lunged at the gubernatorial nominee during a campaign event in northwest New York.
“I condemn the attack on Congressman Zeldin in the strongest terms,” Biden wrote Friday of the Thursday incident. “As I’ve said before, violence has absolutely no place in our society or our politics.”
Biden expressed his gratitude to those who intervened and that Zeldin “is unharmed and was able to continue his speech.”
“I also want to thank the law enforcement officers who quickly took action and are investigating this attack that defies our fundamental democratic values,” he said.
David Jakubonis, 43, of Fairport, New York, was arrested and charged with attempted assault in the second degree, a felony, in Perinton Town Court, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department.
Earlier, a man jumped onstage with Zeldin and attempted to stab the congressman while appearing to yell “You’re done! You’re done!”
Zeldin, an Army veteran, is seeking to unseat Gov. Kathy Hochul in November later tweeted his thanks for people’s concerns.
“Fortunately, I was able to grab his wrist and stop him for a few moments until others tackled him,” he wrote. “I’m as resolute as ever to do my part to make NY safe again.”
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