A violent liberal extremist purportedly attacked a Republican lawmaker in New York state.
Lee Zeldin, the Republican candidate for New York governor, was attacked during a campaign stop near Rochester in upstate Monroe County on Thursday night — but escaped injury and managed to finish his speech.
Zeldin, also a sitting US congressman from Long Island, was campaigning at the Veterans of Foreign Wars post in Perinton when a man jumped on stage and lunged toward the lawmaker with an unknown weapon, according to witnesses and video of the incident.
“I saw that he [was] approaching the congressman, so I jumped up on the stage,” witness Joe Chenelly told The Post.
“The congressman turned and faced him. I thought he might just be there to hug the congressman or to, you know, maybe heckle him or something along those lines.”
The suspect was identified as 43-year-old David Jakubonis of Fairport, NY.
Jakubonis was charged with attempted assault in the second degree and released on his own recognizance.
After Jakubonis allegedly flashed the weapon and appeared to be wrestling with Zeldin, Chenelly tackled the man to the ground.
“He reached into his right pocket and pulled out what appeared to be a knife or a razor blade, maybe a box cutter and lunged at the Congressman,” Chenelly said.
Jakubonis allegedly shouted “You’re done” as he approached Zeldin, according to Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.
Zeldin attempted to block the suspect — who witnesses said was disheveled and possibly intoxicated — and the man lunged at Zeldin once more.
“I tackled him from behind and wrapped him up and dropped him on the right side on stage,” Chenelly said.
Jakubonis was then detained by a number of witnesses including GOP candidate for lieutenant governor, Alison Esposito.
Here's a video of his failed assassination attempt and the heroes who stopped him.