President Joe Biden issued a condemnation of the attack against Lee Zeldin, Republican New York Rep.
Zeldin nearly was stabbed at a campaign event in upstate New York Thursday night after a man with a knife jumped onto the stage as Zeldin talked about bail reform.
I strongly condemn Zeldin’s attack. Violence has no place in politics or society, as I have said previously. Biden expressed gratitude for those who stepped in and saved him. He was then able to carry on his speech. I also thank the law enforcement officers for their swift action in investigating the attack on our democratic fundamental values
Democratic Governor. Kathy Hochul condemned the attack via a Twitter message Thursday night.
” My team informed me of the incident at Lee Zeldin’s campaign event tonight,” Hochul tweets. I am relieved to learn that Congressman Zeldin wasn’t injured and that the suspect has been taken into custody. I condemn this violent behavior in the strongest terms possible – it has no place in New York.” (RELATED: Zeldin Campaign Staffer Says Hochul’s Press Release Was A ‘Motivating Factor’ In Attack)
My team has informed me about the incident at Lee Zeldin’s campaign event tonight. We are relieved to learn that Congressman Zeldin wasn’t injured and that the suspect has been taken into custody. This violent behavior is unacceptable in New York. I strongly condemn it.
— Kathy Hochul (@KathyHochul) July 22, 2022
The suspect, David Jakubonis, climbed on stage and allegedly attempted to stab Zeldin, saying “you’re done” while Zeldin rallied in Perinton, New York, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office said in a press release. Jakubonis, who was later charged with attempted second-degree assault, was released from jail.
Republican candidate Alison Esposito, American Veterans director Joe Chenelly and others were credited for successfully taking Jakubonis down until authorities could arrest him.
