Investigators found out that he had been drinking whiskey in the previous days and didn’t know who the speaker was.
David Jakubonis (43), Fairport. New York, was arrested Saturday on both state-level attempted assault in the second degree and federal assault charges.
Jakubonis was originally released after he allegedly tried to attack the congressman at a Fairport gubernatorial function on Thursday. On Saturday, Jakubonis was again taken into custody and charged with assaulting a member of Congress with dangerous weapons. The maximum sentence is 10 years imprisonment.
Witnesses claim Zeldin (43), was speaking at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post Event on bail reform. Jakubonis (43), then allegedly jumped up on the stage to “lunge at” Zeldin with a knife in one hand.
Jakubonis is heard saying repeatedly “you’re done” while he “lunges towards Lee.” Zeldin continued to speak after several people assisted him.
Jakubonis, according to a criminal complaint, admitted that he had drunk whiskey the day prior to the incident. Jakubonis then approached the podium at the event, and asked the speaker “disrespect veterans span>”.
Jakubonis claimed that he had a “self defense keychain” with him when Jakubonis entered the stage. According to the complaint, Jakubonis didn’t know who the speaker was or whether he was politically motivated.
Jakubonis said that he hadn’t seen the incident video, and that it was disgusting.
Jakubonis is expected to be present at the hearing regarding detention on July 27,
Zeldin stated in his campaign that he was grateful for federal authorities sending him a Saturday statement.
“I am thankful that federal authorities arrived in New York to fix the broken criminal justice system. “I am grateful that federal authorities arrived to fix New York State’s broken criminal justice system. ”
Zeldin’s campaign shared with Fox News Digital a photo that appears to show the blade of the alleged attacker. This photo shows the victim being restrained.
According a statement, Zeldin and Esposito were not injured in the incident.
The congressman took to Twitter following the incident and suggested that New York’s cashless bail system be repealed.
New York’s 2019 bail Reform Law eliminated cash bail for most felonies.
