On Thursday, New York gubernatorial candidate Lee Zeldin was attacked by an audience member during a campaign stop in Perinton, New York.
Zeldin was uninjured, returned to the stage, and finished his speech. The Republican candidate tweeted about the incident after the attack.
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.
— Lee Zeldin (@leezeldin) July 22, 2022
Gov. Kathy Houchol tweeted her concerns for her challenger. She expressed relief that the New York Congressman was not injured. She condemned the crime, noting it had “no place in New York.”
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
The suspect, David G. Jakubonis, 43, of Fairport, N.Y., was charged with attempted assault in the second degree and arraigned in Perinton Town Court. However, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department reports indicate his release on his recognizance.
Zeldin had predicted the alleged attacker would get released due to New York’s soft-on-crime laws.
Fox News contributor Andy McCarthy duly noted New York was “just the place” for such actions because of poor bail laws.
Watch the latest video at foxnews.com.
Twitter users tweeted their shock that Jakubonis was released.
Did your team inform you that the suspect was released on his own recognizance? What is wrong with New York? https://t.co/dCvj9r3vVV pic.twitter.com/aznKykYURP
— Ryan Petty (@rpetty) July 22, 2022
Attempted murder in broad day light in New York is not a jailable offense #LeeZeldin #LiberalismIsAMentalDisease https://t.co/M2IgVbPovI
— Hon. Eugene Delgaudio (@eugenedelgaudio) July 22, 2022
The DEA is grateful @LeeZeldin was not hurt and the attacker was apprehended — not surprisingly with @EspositoforNY’s help.
The irony about the dangerous attacker’s immediate release is that Zeldin is the only candidate who will ensure criminals like this see CONSEQUENCES! https://t.co/0iNtma7ylK
— Detectives' Endowment Association (@NYCPDDEA) July 22, 2022
I don't understand how you can try and assassinate a politician and be immediately released from jail in New York… https://t.co/Wioy17tRO6
— Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) July 22, 2022
Zeldin was speaking at the Veteran’s of Foreign War post event discussing bail reform when the man accessed the stage and wrestled with Zeldin before producing a weapon. AMVETS director Joe Chenelley jumped into action, tackled the intruder, taking him down. Lieutenant Governor nominee Alison Esposito allegedly punched the attacker in the face.
