The man accused of attacking former Long Island Republican Congressman and then-New York gubernatorial candidate Lee Zeldin while he was on the campaign trail last year has been released from a treatment program, the New York Post reported.
Now, Zeldin has spoken to Patch about it.
“I am glad to hear David Jakubonis is taking the necessary steps to remain sober and get his life on track. He is a fellow veteran struggling to overcome the mental wounds of war, and I hope he can continue to make positive progress,” the defeated candidate for governor Zeldin said.
According to the Post report, the 43-year-old Jakubonis had been ordered into alcohol and mental health treatment in October; he was reportedly diagnosed with PTSD and substance issues, the report said.
During a July, 2022 campaign event, Jakubonis climbed on stage in Fairport and attempted to attack him, with the event captured in a video. It shows the man grabbing Zeldin’s arm. The item in his hand later appeared to be a keychain fob, the Post said at the time. The man swung it toward Zeldin’s neck, and told him, “You’re done,” the sheriff’s office said. Members of the audience and Zeldin’s campaign restrained the attacker until deputies arrived and took him into custody; there were no injuries, the sheriff’s office said.
Jakubonis, then identified, was swiftly arrested and charged with second-degree attempted assault, a felony. He was arraigned in Perinton Town Court and released on his own recognizance, according to the sheriff’s office.
