Editor’s be aware: Since the publication of this story, a person has been charged with tried assault over the incident. The story has been up to date to incorporate further information in regards to the assault, however you’ll be able to learn updates in regards to the cost right here.
Rep. Lee Zeldin, the Republican candidate for governor of New York, was attacked by a person wielding a pointy object throughout a marketing campaign occasion Thursday, in line with Zeldin and video of the event posted on social media. Zeldin stated he was not significantly injured, and the perpetrator was taken into custody.
“I’m OK,” Zeldin stated in an announcement. “Fortunately, I was able to grab his wrist and stop him for a few moments until others tackled him.”
Zeldin, who will face off in opposition to incumbent Gov. Kathy Hochul in November, stated he was talking to supporters in Fairport, New York, when the person tried to assault him. Zeldin stated he was in a position to end his speech after legislation enforcement took the person into custody. He didn’t present any information in regards to the alleged attacker.
Video appeared to point out a person strategy Zeldin whereas he was talking on stage. The man, who held what seemed to be a small, sharp object in a single hand, stopped briefly earlier than bringing his hand close to Zeldin’s face. Zeldin can then be seen grabbing the person’s wrist earlier than he’s subdued.
Stefani Reynolds/Bloomberg through Getty Images
His spokesperson stated all members of Zeldin’s group, together with the nominee for lieutenant governor, Alison Esposito, have been secure.
“This is very much getting out of hand in this state,” the spokesperson stated within the assertion. “Unfortunately, Congressman Zeldin is just the latest New Yorker whose life has been affected by the out of control crime and violence in New York. This needs to stop!”
Hochul launched an announcement on Twitter saying she was “relieved to hear” Zeldin was not harm.
“I condemn this violent behavior in the strongest terms possible — it has no place in New York,” she wrote.
Zeldin is an Army Reserve lieutenant colonel who has represented Long Island since 2015, in line with The Associated Press. He is an ally of former President Trump and voted in opposition to certifying the 2020 election outcomes, the AP stated.
New York state GOP Chair Nick Langworthy informed The Associated Press that he did not have any additional information on the incident however he did trade textual content messages with Zeldin after the assault, because the congressman spoke to police.
“He is fine. He’s not seriously injured. It’s just a chaotic scene there,” Langworthy informed the AP. He stated Zeldin sustained “a little scrape,” however nothing he’d contemplate an harm.
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