Authorities have identified the man arrested and accused of rushing the stage and attacking Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-NY) during a campaign stop in upstate New York, but he is now free without posting bail.
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. Jakubonis was “released on his own recognizance” after his arraignment, according to police.
“On July 21, 2022 at approximately 8:00 p.m., Representative Lee Zeldin was on stage giving a campaign speech at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8495 at 300 Macedon Center Road, in the Town of Perinton. A male from the crowd climbed up on the stage and approached Zeldin. The male had a weapon in his hand, swung it towards Zeldin’s neck, and told him, ‘You’re done,'” a press release from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department released on Friday read.
“Members of the audience and Rep. Zeldin’s campaign restrained the male until deputies arrived and took him into custody. There were no injuries. The suspect is identified as David G. Jakubonis, 43 y/o, of Fairport,” the statement continues, listing Jakubonis’s charges and the fact he was set free after his arrest.
LEE ZELDIN ATTACKED BY MAN WITH BRASS KNUCKLES AT CAMPAIGN EVENT
Zeldin, a gubernatorial candidate seeking to unseat Gov. Kathy Hochul in New York’s November election, resumed his speech on crime and bail reform after the attack.
Eric Amidon, Zeldin’s campaign manager, said the man who tried to attack Zeldin appeared to have brass knuckles with sharp spikes on them.
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Zeldin, an Army veteran, tweeted about the incident on Thursday night.
“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 fortunately, I was able to grab his wrist and stop him for a few moments until others tackled him,” he said.
“I’m ok, and [Alison Esposito, the New York Republican Party’s candidate for lieutenant governor], and all other attendees are safe. The attacker is in custody. Grateful for the attendees who stepped up quickly to assist and the law enforcement officers who quickly responded. I’m as resolute as ever to do my part to make NY safe again,” Zeldin’s tweet continued.
The Washington Examiner has reached out to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department and Zeldin’s campaign for further comment.
