Man who tackled Lee Zeldin attacker 'enraged' by suspect's release
Joe Chenelly, candidate for New York State Assembly, recounts subduing a man who attacked Rep. Lee Zeldin during a campaign rally and expresses outrage at the state laws that allowed the suspect to be immediately released.
New York Democrat Gov. Kathy Hochul's campaign sent an email about upcoming campaign events being held by Lee Zeldin, her Republican challenger in the New York gubernatorial race, prior to a man's attempted attack on him while he was speaking Thursday evening.
Prior to the Zeldin campaign event, Hochul's campaign sent out a media advisory, titled "'Big Lie' Lee kicks off statewide 'MAGA Republican' bus tour," to subscribers of its email list. That email, according to NY1 reporter Zack Fink, contained information pertaining to Zeldin's upcoming campaign events, including the dates and times the events were scheduled to begin.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul holds media availability press conference and makes an announcement on abortion rights on July 12, 2022. (Lev Radin/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images)
"On Thursday, July 21, 2022, 'Big Lie' Lee and his entourage of extremists kick off the statewide 'MAGA Republican' Bus Tour, which will make stops across the state peddling dangerous lies, misinformation, and his far-right agenda," the campaign email stated. "At stops during the tour, Zeldin will be joined by top anti-abortion advocates, NRA enthusiasts, and a cast of extremist groups."
The email, which was a spoof to an original email sent by the Zeldin campaign about the upcoming events, was only sent to members of the press, according to a Hochul campaign source.
Highlighting Thursday's event held by Zeldin in Perinton, New York, Hochul's campaign wrote in the email: "RSVP to hear about Zeldin's 'Election Integrity Task Force,' and his recent election fraud scandal in which his campaign photocopied over 11,000 duplicate petition signatures."
Also listed in the email were details of Zeldin's upcoming weekend events across the state.
New York GOP candidate for governor Rep. Lee Zeldin, R-N.Y., waves to supporters as he takes the stage during his election night party at the Coral House on June 28, 2022 in Baldwin, New York. ((Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images))
Following the attempted attack, which took place after a man walked onto the stage holding a sharp object while Zeldin was speaking to supporters, Hochul released a statement condemning the "violent behavior in the strongest terms possible."
WITNESS RECOUNTS ATTACK ON LEE ZELDIN AT CAMPAIGN EVENT IN NEW YORK: ‘KINDA CRAZY'
The suspect, identified as David G. Jakubonis, 43 of Fairport, N.Y., was charged with attempted assault in the second degree. He was arraigned in Perinton Town Court and released on his own recognizance, the sheriff’s department said.
Zeldin, who was giving a speech about bail reform at a Veterans of Foreign Wars post when the alleged assault happened, predicted the alleged attacker would be released.
A man allegedly tried to attack Rep. Lee Zeldin during a campaign stop in New York Thursday night. Pictured above is the weapon he used when he attempted to attack. (Zeldin Campaign)
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"The attacker is in custody," Zeldin said in a statement after the attempted attack. "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 New York safe again. This suspect will likely be right back out on the street immediately."
The motive behind the alleged attack remains unclear.
Fox News' Brie Stimson contributed to this article.
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