There’s no clear word on motive, as of this writing, but the Republican candidate for New York governor Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-N.Y.) had a man attempt to — from all appearances — stab him in the neck during a campaign stop in Monroe County.
Zeldin was able to stop the man’s attempt for a few seconds before others jumped in and subdued the attacker.
Video shows the man wearing an “Iraqi Freedom Veteran” hat walking up to Zeldin and reportedly saying “you’re done” before making the attempt on the candidate, who is also an officer in the U.S. Army Reserves.
After the situation was handled and the man was arrested, Zeldin went on with his campaign speech. Later in the evening, he tweeted out thanks to “everyone who reached out” after hearing news of the attack.
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.
— Lee Zeldin (@leezeldin) July 22, 2022
A couple hours later, Zeldin sent out another tweet with a picture of the attempt with a prediction that the attacker “will likely be instantly released under NY’s laws.”
His words as he tried to stab me a few hours ago were “you’re done”, but several attendees, including @EspositoforNY, quickly jumped into action & tackled the guy.
— Lee Zeldin (@leezeldin) July 22, 2022
Law enforcement was on the scene within minutes.
The attacker will likely be instantly released under NY’s laws. pic.twitter.com/wZEyIyrjFe
And Zeldin was correct.
Related: 'Night of Rage': DHS Warns Catholic Church and Crisis Pregnancy Centers About Imminent Attacks
As the New York Post reported, the man was “arraigned overnight in Perinton Town Court on a count of second-degree attempted assault stemming from the attack on Rep. Zeldin but was quickly released on his own recognizance.”
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D), Zeldin’s opponent this fall, tweeted about being informed of the incident and condemning “this violent behavior in the strongest terms possible.”
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.
— Kathy Hochul (@KathyHochul) July 22, 2022
H/T: WGRZ
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