Man Attempts to Stab Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Lee Zeldin at Campaign Rally

By Yehudit Garmaise

“There is only one option,” said Lee Zeldin who was speaking about bail reform at a campaign event at the Veteran of Foreign Wars (VFW) in Fairport, just before a man casually walked up onto the stage and attempted to stab him.

US Rep. Zeldin, who represents Long Island, grabbed the attacker’s wrist to stop him, as Joe Chenelly, AMVETS national director, and others joined congressman in taking the perpetrator to the ground.

Local police soon took the attacker into custody, and Zeldin returned to the stage to speaking to his supporters and to thank the law enforcement officers who responded so quickly.

“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,” said Katie Vincentz, Zeldin’s spokesperson, who said that Zeldin was not hurt. “This needs to stop!

“Thankfully, we still have exceptional men and women in law enforcement answering the call to protect our streets.”

Gov. Kathy Hochul, who is being challenged by Zeldin in the upcoming Nov. 8 election, tweeted that she was “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.”