Rochester, N.Y. (WBEN) - The man who attacked former U.S. Congressman Lee Zeldin during his 2022 campaign for New York Governor has pleaded guilty to charges against him on Wednesday.
It was announced by U.S. Attorney Trini Ross' Office that 44-year-old David Jakubonis of Fairport pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Marian Payson to assaulting a federal officer, which carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a $100,000 fine.
It was on July 21, 2022 during a campaign event in Perinton where Zeldin was giving a speech from the bed of a flatbed trailer when during the speech, Jakubonis walked onto the trailer, approached the Congressman, extended a keychain with two sharp points toward him and grabbed his arm. A struggle then ensued between Zeldin and Jakubonis and, as bystanders intervened, Jakubonis pulled Zeldin down onto the bed of the trailer, stating several times during the assault, “you're done.”
Jakubonis was eventually subdued and arrested by responding law enforcement.
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The plea is the result of an investigation by a number of different agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police and more.
Sentencing is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 14 at 3:30 p.m. ET before Judge Payson.