Alleged Zeldin attacker charged and 'released on his own recognizance'

Authorities have identified the man arrested and accused of rushing the stage and attacking Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-NY) during a campaign stop in upstate New York, but he is now free without posting bail.

David Jakubonis, 43, of Fairport, New York, was arrested and charged with attempted assault in the second degree, a felony, in Perinton Town Court, according to the Monroe County Sheriff's Department. Jakubonis was "released on his own recognizance" after his arraignment, according to police.

"On July 21, 2022 at approximately 8:00 p.m., Representative Lee Zeldin was on 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 male had a weapon in his hand, swung it towards Zeldin’s neck, and told him, 'You’re done,'" a press release from the Monroe County Sheriff's Department released on Friday read.