The man accused of attacking former U.S. Rep. Lee Zeldin during his campaign for New York governor last year pleaded guilty to assaulting a federal officer, U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced Wednesday.
David Jakubonis, 44, of Fairport, admitted to the charge, which carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a $100,000 fine.
The incident in question took place in Monroe County in July 2022 during a campaign rally for the Republican Long Island congressman in his bid for governor. Video recording showed Jakubonis getting on stage with Zeldin and appearing to attempt to assault the candidate with a self-defense tool. There was a brief tussle with Zeldin before several people stepped in to help apprehend Jakubonis. Nobody was seriously injured.
He is scheduled to be sentenced Dec. 14.
Luke Parsnow - New York State Politics Digital Content Producer
Luke Parsnow is the New York state politics digital content writer and producer at Spectrum News 1. He is an award-winning writer and political columnist and previously worked for CNYCentral in Syracuse and The Post-Star in Glens Falls, New York.
