Lee Zeldin Speaks On Release Of Man Accused Of Campaign Attack

LONG ISLAND, NY — A man accused of attacking former Rep. Lee Zeldin while he was on the campaign trail last year has been released from a treatment program, the New York Post reported — and now, Zeldin has spoken to Patch about the outcome.

"I am glad to hear David Jakubonis is taking the necessary steps to remain sober and get his life on track. He is a fellow veteran struggling to overcome the mental wounds of war, and I hope he can continue to make positive progress," Zeldin told Patch.

During a July, 2022 campaign event, Jakubonis climbed on stage in Fairport and attempted to attack him, Zeldin initially said and a video of the event indicated.

The video shows the man grabbing Zeldin's arm. The instrument in his hand later appeared to be a keychain fob, the Post said at the time.

According to a release from the Monroe County Sheriff's Office in Perinton, NY, Zeldin was onstage giving a campaign speech at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8495 at 300 Macedon Center Road, in the town of Perinton. A man from the crowd climbed up on the stage and approached Zeldin, the sheriff's office said. The man had a weapon in his hand, swung it toward Zeldin’s neck, and told him, “You’re done," the sheriff's office said.

Members of the audience and Zeldin’s campaign restrained the male until deputies arrived and took him into custody; there were no injuries, the sheriff's office said.

Jakubonis, 43, of Fairport, was arrested and charged with second-degree attempted assault, a felony, the sheriff's office said. He was arraigned in Perinton Town Court and released on his own recognizance, the sheriff's office said.

In a video posted on YouTube by NBC affiliate WHEC at the time, the man grabbed Zeldin by the arm, saying, "You're done. You're done."

Those who ran to Zeldin's aid pulled the man to the ground, with Zeldin also falling.
"What is he doing?" the crowd asked. "Whoa!" The man began screaming as his hands and legs were zip-tied and he was put into a Monroe County Sheriff's Office police vehicle.

Zeldin was declared the winner of the GOP primary in June, 2022 and but ultimately lost the race to incumbent Gov. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat.

According to the Post report, Jakubonis had been ordered into alcohol and mental health treatment in October; he was reportedly determined to have PTSD and substance issues, the report said.