Congressman’s Knife-Wielding Attacker Released

Congressman Lee Zeldin (R-N.Y.) is safe this morning after a man attacked and tried to stab him at a campaign event last night.

Zeldin disarmed the suspect, David Jakubonis, after he walked on stage and shouted “you’re done” as he swung the blade towards Zeldin’s neck. The congressman and members of the audience restrained his would-be attacker until law enforcement arrived.

WATCH:

Jakubonis was charged with attempted assault in the second degree but has since been released on his own recognizance — something Zeldin predicted would happen.

Zeldin, who is the Republican nominee for governor of New York, finished the speech with a plea to end cashless bail and reiterate his support of police.

Fox News has more:

Jakubonis was tackled by AMVETS national Director Joe Chenelly, according to witnesses. 

“His right hand came up, I assume out of his pocket, and he had a blade on his hand,” Chenelly told Fox News Digital. “His fingers were like two finger holes in the blade and lunged at the congressman. And Congressman Zeldin blocked the first lunge. And then as he tried to lunge again, I grabbed him from behind and tackled him down to the ground and held him on the ground.”

Zeldin released a statement after the attack that said: “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. 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.”

No serious injuries were reported.

Under current Gov. Kathy Hochul, New York ended cash bail requirements in 2019 for many crimes.

New York is also the only state where judges are not supposed to set a high bail for defendants they believe are a public safety risk.

READ NEXT: Police Reveal New Details About Armed Civilian Who Neutralized Mall Shooter >>

Picture of Patrick Houck

Patrick Houck

Patrick Houck is an avid political enthusiast based out of the Washington, D.C., metro area. His expertise is in campaigns and the use of targeted messaging to persuade voters. When not combing through the latest news, you can find him enjoying the company of family and friends or pursuing his love of photography.

13 Comments
    Stephen Russell

    Dems IN On crimes
    CCW time, body armor OK Zeldin

    Philip Seth Hammersley

    If someone were to attack AOC or Ilhan, if they weren’t immediately executed, they’d never be released!

    Eugene Crocker

    It is like always the Democrat Party of Communism, wants to pass laws, that are ungodly and wrong for the human race. There is no racism in the world, it is Satanist against Christians, not even an animal has anything to say. Humanity is a race of people, no matter what your color, language or biases. Everyone has the same chance to believe God or believe the Satanist crowd. Satan is a group of angels, that were opposed to Gods rule in heaven, before God cast them out for their evil doing, in the Garden of Eden. So if you want to live like Jesus did so long ago, again after death as we know it, ask for forgiveness of God, in his name and be given eternal life.. I am not sure what life will be like in heaven but it certainly has to be better that here on earth. Satanist believe in greed, lies and fornication, God believes in Joy, peace and harmony, people make your choice whether you want strife or eternal peace. To me it is no choice at all, I am going to follow God and his mission here on earth.

    Thirst Mutilator

    So you’re arrested for trying to murder someone, then you’re instantly released under your own recognizance. Amazing. Lenin said: “”The court must not eliminate terror; to promise this would be self- deception or fraud; it must explain and legalize it in principle, clearly, without falsity and without embellishment.”

      Al Foster

      Yep. One insidious part of “Justice Reform” with no / low bail is that the criminal being released is providing with copies of the police reports. The reports include full names and badge numbers of the officer, as well as names, addresses, and phone numbers of all witnesses.

        Lisa

        It’s just not right. For gods sake this is America

    Gerald D Cline Jr

    You gatta wonder…did they give him his knife bace?

    Stephen Riggs

    If this man who was released attacks anyone else the DA, judge and governor should be removed from office. They should also be sued by any victims of said attack for everything they own. This stupidity must stop.

    Jerry

    Instigators like this idiot need to be sentenced to thirty days in the electric chair. To bad it’s not being used anymore. I feel no sympathy for these fools.

    GymS

    Another psychotic liberal. Should have been dispatched, right then and there.

    GymS

    Good for you. Now go advertise somewhere else. Spend some of your money on private adds and get off our blogs.

    Bigbandss

    You can be sure that if some Democrat was running for Governor at a rally and was attacked by someone, that person would have been held in jail until his trial. Republicans have no equality under the law in New York.

Comments are closed.

SECURITY

FOREIGN AFFAIRS

BUSINESS & ECONOMICS

HEALTH & SCIENCE

At American Liberty News, we eschew the mainstream media’s tightly controlled narrative to provide our readers with real news, real insights, and the means to take action. We seek out insightful coverage – and partner with knowledgeable and experienced people and organizations to bring you the information and insight our readers demand.

 

We humbly seek to provide the tools and information necessary for our readers to decide for themselves what is true and what is right.

American Liberty News ©2024

Evolution Digital Media

1900 Reston Metro Plz

Suite 600

Reston, VA 20190