Rep. Zeldin Statement on Federal Assault Charge Against His Attacker

Statement

Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1) just issued the statement below regarding the arrest of his attacker, David G. Jakubonis, on a federal second degree assault charge.

On Thursday evening, at a campaign stop in Fairport, New York, Jakubonis climbed on stage and attempted to stab Congressman Zeldin, repeatedly telling the Congressman, "You're done." Congressman Zeldin grabbed the attacker's wrist and was able to hold him back for a few moments before others assisted in bringing Jakubonis to the ground. The assailant was taken into custody by local law enforcement and charged with felony attempted assault in the second degree, but was released on his own recognizance just hours after the attack due to New York State's cashless bail law.

"I'm thankful that federal authorities came in to do what New York State's broken pro-criminal justice system could not - uphold the rule of law. The state must start prioritizing the safety of law-abiding New Yorkers over criminals. Cashless bail must be repealed and judges should have discretion to set cash bail on far more offenses," said Congressman Zeldin.

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