Republican Rep. Lee Zeldin, the GOP nominee in the New York gubernatorial race against Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul, was attacked at a campaign event on Thursday night.
Zeldin was able to fend off the attacker, who appeared to be wielding a blade.
“Thank you to everyone who reached out following tonight’s attack in Fairport,” Zeldin said.
“Someone tried to stab me on stage during this evening’s rally, but fortunately, I was able to grab his wrist and stop him for a few moments until others tackled him.
“I’m ok, and @EspositoforNY, and all other attendees are safe.
“The attacker is in custody.
“Grateful for the attendees who stepped up quickly to assist and the law enforcement officers who quickly responded.
“I’m as resolute as ever to do my part to make NY safe again.”
Here is video of the attack involving Rep. Zeldin from witness Cody Crippen pic.twitter.com/Ur1CfpkdsS
— Nick Reisman (@NickReisman) July 22, 2022
Katie Vincentz, a Zeldin campaign spokesperson, said in 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.
“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! Thankfully, we still have exceptional men and women in law enforcement answering the call to protect our streets.”
Thank you to everyone who reached out following tonight’s attack in Fairport. Someone tried to stab me on stage during this evening’s rally, but fortunately, I was able to grab his wrist and stop him for a few moments until others tackled him.
— Lee Zeldin (@leezeldin) July 22, 2022
After speaking on bail reform, someone just tried stabbing #NewYork Republican Governor candidate #LeeZeldin in #Fairport #NY. https://t.co/Sj9TYdO5km pic.twitter.com/menvjAATsp
— The Daily Sneed™ (@Tr00peRR) July 22, 2022
I’m ok, and @EspositoforNY, and all other attendees are safe. The attacker is in custody. Grateful for the attendees who stepped up quickly to assist and the law enforcement officers who quickly responded. I’m as resolute as ever to do my part to make NY safe again.
— Lee Zeldin (@leezeldin) July 22, 2022
Gov. Hochul issued a statement in response to the attack.
“My team has informed me about the incident at Lee Zeldin’s campaign event tonight,” she wrote.
“Relieved to hear that Congressman Zeldin was not injured and that the suspect is in custody.
“I condemn this violent behavior in the strongest terms possible — it has no place in New York.”
