GOP Rep. Lee Zeldin Attacked During NY Gubernatorial Campaign Event

Rep. Lee Zeldin, the Republican nominee in New York’s governor race, was attacked during a campaign event in the town of Perinton, southeast of Rochester, on Thursday night.

As Zeldin was giving a speech at the Veterans of Foreign Wars, a man got on stage holding something in his hand, according to News 8 WROC.

Spectrum News reporter Nick Reisman obtained a witness’ video of the moment which shows a man wearing a hat approaching Zeldin, and appears to grab him by the arms as other people attempt to intervene. Zeldin, the suspect and several others appear to fall on the stage during the tussle.

The attacker was disarmed and apprehended by members of the audience, according to WHEC-TV. The Monroe County Sheriff’s officers later detained the attacker, though charges have not yet been filed.

Joe Chenelly, the national executive director of AMVETS, told News 8 WROC that he took the suspect down by bear-hugging him. AMVETS, also known as American Veterans, is a veterans service organization.