BREAKING: Lee Zeldin attack suspect David Jakubonis arrested on federal charge



The suspect in the attack on Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-N.Y.) was arrested on Saturday. According to multiple reports, David Jakubonis was arrested on a federal assault charge.

Jakubonis – the 43-year-old man accused of attacking Zeldin on stage during a campaign event on Thursday night at a VFW outside of Rochester, New York – was reportedly arrested on Saturday, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office in the Western District of New York.

The Daily Mail and Fox News are reporting that Jakubonis was arrested and will make his first court appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Marion W. Payson on Saturday at the Keating Federal Building in Rochester.

Jakubonis is accused of attempting to use $10 cat "self-defense knuckles" with two sharp pointed ends while allegedly threatening Zeldin – a Republican gubernatorial candidate for New York. The incident was captured on video and showed the suspect being taken down before real damage could have been done.

Jakubonis , an Army veteran of Fairmont, New York, was previously charged with attempted assault in the second degree. However, he was arraigned and then released on his own recognizance hours later.

Before Jakubonis was released, Zeldin predicted that the suspect would be set free.

Zeldin issued a statement after the incident:

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 Alison Esposito, 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 New York safe again. This suspect will likely be right back out on the street immediately.

Lee Zeldin predicts his attacker would benefit from New York's laws — and it comes true within just hours



Rep. Lee Zeldin, the Republican nominee for the New York gubernatorial race, predicted early Friday morning that his attacker would benefit from New York's criminal laws.

Just hours after the attack, Zeldin's prediction came true.

What did Zeldin predict?

While Zeldin was speaking at a campaign event near Rochester, a man jumped on stage and attempted to stab the Republican lawmaker. The attacker allegedly told Zeldin, "You're done."

Fortunately, the man was subdued before he could harm Zeldin. The man was taken into custody by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.

After the incident, Zeldin predicted his attacker would quickly be released from jail.

"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. Law enforcement was on the scene within minutes," Zeldin said. "The attacker will likely be instantly released under NY’s laws."

\u201cHis words as he tried to stab me a few hours ago were \u201cyou\u2019re done\u201d, but several attendees, including @EspositoforNY, quickly jumped into action & tackled the guy. \n\nLaw enforcement was on the scene within minutes. \n\nThe attacker will likely be instantly released under NY\u2019s laws.\u201d
— Lee Zeldin (@Lee Zeldin) 1658467814

What happened with the attacker?

The attacker, whom police identified as 43-year-old David G. Jakubonis, was arraigned in court and released on his own recognizance just hours after the attack, police confirmed.

Jakubonis was charged with second-degree attempted assault, a felony.

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement:

On July 21, 2022 at approximately 8:00 p.m., Representative Lee Zeldin wason 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 malehad a weapon in his hand, swung it towards Zeldin’s neck, and told him, “You’re done.” Members of theaudience and Rep. Zeldin’s campaign restrained the male until deputies arrived and took him into custody.There were no injuries.

According to the New York Times, the Empire State is the only state in the U.S. "without a so-called dangerousness standard."

"In New York, bail is imposed solely to ensure that people return to court; judges are not supposed to set high bail for defendants who they think might be a public safety risk," the newspaper explained.

Watch: Rep. Lee Zeldin Attacked By Man At New York Campaign Event www.youtube.com