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Lee Zeldin: NY guv hopeful furious man who tried to STAB him at Rochester rally was released without bail

The attacker was seen wearing a black cap, sunglasses, a t-shirt, and black shorts when he approached Lee Zeldin with brass knuckles

Update: Rep Lee Zeldin has increased security on the campaign trail after the shocking attack on him on July 21. His assailant has been identified as David Jakubonis, 43. The Amry vet was released without bail, giving Zeldin another issue to attack Gov. Kathy Hochul with. Zeldin was back to campaigning after the shock of the incident wore off. He slamming Hochul for being soft on crime and supporting cashless bail. 

"What we need in government is bold leadership," Zeldin said. "We need the governor right now to be advocating for this because it's the right thing to do for public safety, for security, for rising crime." Zeldin demanded the governor support a repeal of cashless bail and allow judges to consider the dangerousness in keeping people behind bars, reports CBS News.

The sheriff's office said he was charged with attempted assault in the second degree and was released without bail. 

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The Republican candidate for New York governor, Lee Zeldin, was attacked by a man who was presumably packing a gun and a knife as he tried to stab Zeldin during an upstate event on Thursday, July 21 in Fairport, New York. Zeldin was in the middle of a speech speaking on bail reform as part of his 'United to Fire Hochul' campaign when the attack took place. Everything seemed to be fine when suddenly a man came up on the stage confronting Lee Zeldin, leaving everyone shocked. 

The attacker was seen wearing a black cap, sunglasses, a t-shirt, and black shorts when he approached Zeldin. The 42-year-old Republican acted swiftly and saved himself from being attacked as the crowd rushed up to the stage in no time, apprehending the man and kneeling him to the ground. Even though no guns or knives were found at the scene, the attacker was in possession of brass knuckles carved out as a cat's face which read 'Made in the USA'. Zeldin is the Republic nominee to replace the current NY Governor New York governor Kathy Hochul. According to WHEC, the suspect said "Okay, you're done," to Zeldin right before attacking him. His supporters help him in zip ties until his official arrest.

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Lee Zeldin opened up about the fact and confirmed that he was "okay" and that he was able to "grab his (attacker) wrist and stop him for a few moments until others tackled him." He tweeted, "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 also posted, "I’m ok, and @EspositoforNY, 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." Many politicians and people couldn't help but point out the increasing crime rate in New York and how the current Governor Kathy Hochul is not doing anything to control it. However, many people rushed to show their support to Zeldin.

Internet reacts to Lee Zeldin's on-stage attack

Current New York Governor Kathy Hochul rushed to show her support for Zeldin and condemn violence in a tweet saying, "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." Congresswoman Elise Stefanik tweeted, "All New Yorkers and Americans stand with @leezeldin. We are grateful that he is unharmed after a violent criminal attack this evening. Lee is a strong leader and will be the Governor of New York who will STOP this raging lawlessness and crime."

Congressman Ronny Jackson tweeted, "Thank God @leezeldin is ok. Violence against Republicans is out of control, and it’s being tacitly encouraged STRAIGHT from the Oval Office. First targeting Supreme Court justices, now this. Stay tough Lee! New York needs you NOW more than ever!" Candidate for U.S. Congress Liz Joy tweeted, "Thank God @leezeldin and @EspositoforNY are okay. New Yorkers need safety/security and law & order from this rampant out of control violent crime! Witnesses say the man that attacked Lee Zeldin had a knife."

Matt Castelli, standing in opposition of Elise Stefanik tweeted, "The news of Rep. Lee Zeldin's attack earlier this evening at a campaign stop is deeply disturbing. I am glad that he was unharmed. I strongly condemn any and all forms of violence." Councilwoman Inna Vernikov tweeted, "The attempt to stab @leezeldin in broad daylight during his campaign speech about bail reform and how bad the crime is, proves just how bad the crime is. On November 8, 2022, vote."

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John Campbell, a reporter at WNYC also tweeted the official campaign statement. It read, "Lee Zeldin campaign statement on apparent attack at campaign event near Rochester"

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