FAIRPORT, N.Y. — A Fairport man has been sentenced following his actions that led to the attack of a federal officer during a campaign event.
David G. Jakubonis 44, had attempted to attack Congressman Lee Zeldin in 2022 during one of his campaign events.
The Congressman had been set-up on a flat bed truck giving a speech when Jakubonis attempted to point a sharp keychain at Zeldin, and grabbed his arm. While doing this Jakubonis also stated numerous times "you're done" to Zeldin.
Jakubonis was eventually restrained and arrested by nearby officers at the event.
Jakubonis plead guilty to assaulting a federal officer, and sentenced to serve three-years of probation.
During a hearing in October of 2022, U.S. Magistrate Judge Marian Payson agreed to allow Jakubonis the opportunity to enter into a treatment program administered by the Veterans Administration. Following his treatment he then would be transferred to a halfway house operated by an organization that assists troubled veterans.
Attorneys for Jakubonis, an Army veteran, said that their client was drunk and was only reaching for Zeldin’s microphone to stop him from talking.
“Mr. Jakubonis, if he is drinking, does have a problem holding his liquor,” defense attorney Steven Slawinski said at a detention hearing, adding that Jakubonis has been prescribed psychiatric medication that can interact poorly with alcohol.
Congressman Lee Zeldin was not seriously injured at the time of the attack.