Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-N.Y.), who is running against Democratic incumbent Kathy Hochul in the race for New York governor, was attacked by an unnamed man who allegedly tried to stab him during a campaign stop on July 21.
The congressman was on stage at an event in Perinton, New York, and talking to campaign supporters when the attacker pulled a knife out on him, according to a spokesperson.
Zeldin, a staunch ally of former President Donald Trump, was able to escape injury and stop the man by grabbing his wrist until others assisted in taking the attacker to the ground, Zeldin’s campaign said.
He then returned to the stage to finish his remarks after the alleged attacker was apprehended by law enforcement officials, his team said.
Former New York Police Department Deputy Inspector Alison Esposito, Zeldin’s running mate, was among those who helped stop the attacker, state GOP Chair Nick Langworthy told the Associated Press.
“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,” Zeldin wrote on Twitter on Thursday night following the incident.
“I’m ok, and @EspositoforNY [Alison Esposito] 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 N.Y. safe again,” Zeldin said.
‘More Must Be Done to Make NY Safe Again’
Zeldin spokesperson Katie Vincentz posted a tweet Thursday that both the Congressman and Esposito as well as all members of his team are safe, adding that Zeldin returned to the stage to continue his final remarks after officers apprehended the attacker.
