A man who attempted to stab Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-NY) during a rally in New York was released from custody within 24 hours of his arrest despite a felony charge.
The suspect, 43-year-old New York resident and Iraq War veteran David G. Jakubonis, was charged with second-degree attempted assault and released on recognizance. What this means is that authorities are trusting him to arrive at his court date without enforcement.
Zeldin, who is running as a tough-on-crime candidate against incumbent Governor Kathy Hochul (D), predicted this would happen almost immediately after the incident occurred.
“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,” tweeted Zeldin. “Law enforcement was on the scene within minutes. The attacker will likely be instantly released under NY’s laws.”
Governor Hochul condemned the attack as ‘having no place in New York’ despite her support for liberal policies that are guaranteed to drive increases in crime.
If anything, the attempted assassination proves that New York is in desperate need of a change in leadership.
“This guy tried to stab a man running for Governor and is back on the streets?!?” tweeted Desi Cuellar, a New York Republican running for a seat in the House. “New York has truly become a sick place run by criminals!”
Jakubonis was brought down by AMVETS National Director Joe Chenelly, who is running for the state Assembly.
“His right hand came up, I assume out of his pocket, and he had a blade on his hand,” said Chenelly. “And Congressman Zeldin blocked the first lunge. And then as he tried to lunge again, I grabbed him from behind and tackled him down to the ground and held him on the ground.”
Chenelly promised to get Jakubonis help after learning that he had served in Iraq. “I got down on my hands and my knees and said, ‘You know, we’re going to get through whatever you’ve done here tonight. You’re going to get better and focus on that. You can contact me after this thing is done.’”
In a statement issued after the incident, Zeldin thanked lawmakers and promised to be “resolute” in doing his part to make New York safe again. The incident occurred last week as Zeldin delivered a speech on bail reform at VFW Post 8495 in Perinton, NY.
Author’s Note: Democrats just can’t seem to understand the fact that crime will increase if they don’t enforce the law. This man attempted to assassinate a public official and was released on his own recognizance – insane.
Sources:
Lee Zeldin attacker quickly released from jail – just as pol predicted