Rep. Lee Zeldin of New York was almost attacked at a Perinton campaign rally, which took place on Thursday. Perinton is a tiny town located just outside Rochester.
The Republican was in the midst of a speech at VFW location about bail reform as part of his ‘United to Fire Hochul’ campaign when he was confronted.
The scene is captured on video. He enters the stage slightly behind Zeldin and then walks calmly towards Zeldin before raising his arm toward the candidate.
David Jakubonis has been identified as the suspect. Rochester First reports that the attacker was described as an “allegedly Iraq War vet under the influence alcohol,” Rochester First reported.
The attacker was subdued by a group of Zeldin supporters. In a tweet, Zeldin said: ‘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.’
The scene was rediscovered a weapon that looked like a pair of sharp brass knuckles. This weapon had a picture of a cat on its face and the words ‘Made here in USA’ printed across it.
The suspect was not injured in the incident. After being arrested by Monroe County Sheriff’s Department, the suspect returned to the stage.
Zeldin supporters claimed that the attacker had been held by them with zip-ties before his arrest.
The suspect reportedly said words to the effect of: ‘Okay, you’re done,’ prior to launching his attack, according to WHEC.
Joe Chenelly, AMVETS’ national director was the man responsible for bringing down Zeldin’s assailant. AMVETS, a veterans advocacy organization, is non-partisan.
Zeldin was a strong ally of Donald Trump’s and is now the Republican nominee to succeed Kathy Hochul, current governor of New York.
Nick Langworthy, chairman of the New York GOP said that after the attack on Zeldin’s schedule online, she felt that Gov. Kathy Hochul, New York’s GOP Chairman, stated that Zeldin’s schedule was posted online by her and she encouraged supporters to go.
Monroe County Sheriff’s Department took the suspect into custody The Monroe County Sheriff’s Department has not yet announced any charges.
Authorities receive the suspect’s weapon
Zeldin was addressing the audience when the suspect entered the stage. The suspect can be heard shouting words like “You’re done”
Zeldin is seen during the Republican gubernatorial Debate in New York at Spectrum News NY1 studios on June 20, 2022.
Zeldin represents Long Island’s Hamptons-area and has represented New York since 2015 as the first New York district representative to Congress.
New York’s bail reform law, which eliminates cash bail for misdemeanor and nonviolent charges in New York City, has been opposed by him.
His campaign said in a statement on Thursday: ‘Congressman Zeldin, Alison Esposito and all members of Team Zeldin are safe following tonight’s attack. New York must be made safe again. In New York, this is a serious problem.
Continued the message: “Unfortunately Congressman Zeldin, just another New Yorker who has seen his life affected by out-of-control crime and violence in New York.” It must stop.
A group of Zeldin supporters wrestle the suspect to the ground
Gov. Hochul at an event where Zeldin was attacked. Hochul was advocating the hosting of the 2024 Democratic National Convention in New York City.
Following the attack, New York GOP Chairman Nick Langworthy blamed the current governor for the attack saying: ‘It’s not a coincidence that just hours earlier, Kathy Hochul fanned the flames of hate by directing her supporters to his rally schedule. This conduct is unacceptable for any sitting governor.
Hochul’s campaign team highlighted Zeldin’s July 21 event and told her supporters to vote for Hochul.
One week before the attack, Congressman Dana Rohrabacher was removed from Independent Party’s ballot for November’s gubernatorial race. More than 12,500 signatures submitted to his application were duplicated of actual signatures.
After Thursday’s incident Governor Hochul stated: “Relieved that Congressman Zeldin wasn’t injured and that suspect is currently in custody. I condemn this violent behavior in the strongest terms possible — it has no place in New York.’
Joe Chenelly is, according to his LinkedIn profile, a candidate for New York’s assembly in 2022.
According to Joe Chenelly’s LinkedIn profile, Joe Chenelly was the first person to take down an attacker. He is now a candidate for New York’s state assembly in 2022.
Chenelly, a veteran advocate since childhood, was a political consultant for Jim Webb’s 2016 campaign to become the president of the United States.
After Thursday’s accident, his wife shared the following Facebook post: “Joe Chenelly’s a hero.”
Joann Ariola of New York City was quick to condemn the attack and issued a statement saying, “Attacks against political candidates are absolutely unacceptable, regardless their views.”
She said, “This nation was founded upon the idea freedom of speech.” The use of violence to political ends is dangerous and a departure from the founding principles on which this nation was built.