A Republican congressman was assaulted yesterday (21) during a campaign rally in upstate New York. Videos circulating on social media show Lee Zeldin delivering a speech before a man approaches with a sharp object.
Zeldin is running in November’s election against Democrat Kathy Hochul, who currently holds the office.
The Republican was speaking at a rally in the city of Perinton at 8:00 p.m. (local time, 21:00 GMT) when a 43yearold man attacked him, according to a statement from the local commissioner.
The attacker “had a gun, held it against Zeldin’s neck and said to him, ‘It’s over,'” according to an excerpt of the statement released by the authorities. Zeldin’s team and rally participants managed to immobilize the man until agents arrived.
ATTACK: Pictured is a man attempting to stick a sharp object/knife in the throat of Republican nominee for New York governor Lee Zeldin on Thursday afternoon. The man was arrested, the candidate was unharmed.pic.twitter.com/lQvGHPFWRs
Straight from America (@DiretoDaAmerica) July 22, 2022
“Grateful I was able to grab his wrist in time as he pounced on my neck,” Zeldin wrote on Twitter. He also thanked those who immobilized the attacker and the authorities.
Political scores should be settled at the ballot box, not on the stage at campaign events where attempts are made to violently attack candidates you disagree with. It’s not OK. This is the United States of America. This is the largest country in the history of the world.
Lee Zeldin (@RepLeeZeldin) July 22, 2022
*With information from AFP