Monroe County Sheriff releases attacker’s name with report
FAIRPORT, NY – Last night, a man climbed on stage and attempted to stab Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1), the Republican Party and Conservative Party nominee for Governor, during a rally speech in front of campaign supporters. The attacker was saying to Congressman Zeldin, “you’re done.” Congressman Zeldin grabbed the attacker’s wrist to stop him until several others assisted in taking the attacker down to the ground. Law enforcement then took the suspect into custody and Congressman Zeldin went back on stage to finish his remarks and thank the law enforcement officers who responded to the scene.
After being charged with Attempted Assault in the Second Degree, a felony, the suspect, who has been identified by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office as David G. Jakubonis of Fairport, was immediately released under New York’s cashless bail law.
“It is terrible public policy that in the State of New York, you can try to stab a sitting Member of Congress, or anyone else for that matter, and be back out on the street not even 6 hours later,” said Katie Vincentz, spokesperson for Zeldin for New York. “This is one of many reasons why crime is on the rise, especially in certain parts of the state. There is not enough accountability for people when they commit crimes, and this is just one of the many examples we hear all about in New York every single day. Enough is enough!”
Read the Monroe County Sheriff Department’s full statement:
Perinton, NY (July 21, 2022) – 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.” 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. Jakubonis is charged with: Attempted Assault in the Second Degree (E-Felony) Jakubonis was arraigned in Perinton Town Court and released on his own recognizance.
