A man tried to stab Republican Rep. Lee Zeldin of New York, who is running for the state’s governorship, during a speech Thursday evening.
Zeldin finished his speech after the man was dragged away.
The incident unfolded at a campaign stop in Perinton, near Rochester.
Witnesses said that Zeldin was speaking about bail reform when a man jumped onto the stage and yelled at him. There was a struggle and then the man pulled out a knife, according to WROC-TV.
He was subdued by AMVETS national Director Joe Chenelly and others from the audience who jumped in to help.
The man was arrested and taken into custody by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.
Images from the altercation emerged on social media showing the bystanders jumping onto the stage.
The attack was also caught on video that was obtained by KPLR-TV.
Zeldin’s Democratic opponent, the incumbent Gov. Kathy Hochul, released a statement condemning the incident.
“My team has informed me about the incident at Lee Zeldin’s campaign event tonight. Relieved to hear that Congressman Zeldin was not injured and that the suspect is in custody,” she added.
“I condemn this violent behavior in the strongest terms possible — it has no place in New York,” she concluded.
A spokesperson for Zeldin also released a statement.
“Congressman Zeldin, Alison Esposito and all members of Team Zeldin are safe following tonight’s attack. Far more must be done to make New York safe again. This is very much getting out of hand in this state,” said Katie Vincentz.
“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!” she added. “Thankfully, we still have exceptional men and women in law enforcement answering the call to protect our streets.”
[Ed. Note: This article has been updated with additional information.]
Here’s the video of the attack:
Congressman Lee Zeldin ATTACKED with knife at Perinton campaign stop
www.youtube.com