Poll: Was the "Assault" of Lee Zeldin, the Republican Candidate for New York Gov Real or Staged?

U.S. Rep. Lee Zeldin, MAGA Republican candidate for New York governor, was assaulted by a man at an upstate event Thursday but the congressman escaped serious injury.

“I’m OK,” Zeldin said in a statement. “Fortunately, I was able to grab his wrist and stop him for a few moments until others tackled him.”

Zeldin’s campaign said the attacker was taken into custody and the congressman continued his speech. He is challenging incumbent Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul this November.

The attacker climbed onto a low stage where the congressman spoke to a crowd of dozens outside Rochester, flanked by bales of hay and American flags. A video posted on Twitter shows the two falling to the ground as other people try to intervene.

I’ll reserve judgement, but this seems a little fishy to me. What do you think?

Friday, Jul 22, 2022 · 1:30:54 PM +00:00 · The Bassweasel

UDATE! “Attacker?” already released!

Friday, Jul 22, 2022 · 2:01:54 PM +00:00 · The Bassweasel

A 43-year-old Iraqi war veteran identified as David Jakubonis was arrested after breaching security in an attempt to stab Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-NY) during a campaign speech in upstate New York Thursday evening, according to Monroe Sheriff’s Department. Jakubonis, who was under the influence of alcohol at the time, according to local media reports, was arraigned for second-degree attempted assault, which is a felony, and freed on his own recognizance, the sheriff’s office said in a statement. 

A man identified as Joe Chenelly tackled and restrained Jakubonis, and later told Rochester First news, “When he said he served in Iraq, I got down hands on my knees and said, ‘You know, we’re going to get through whatever you’ve done here tonight.’” Chenelly is national director of the nonprofit veterans service group AMVETS and a candidate for state office on the Republican and Conservative Party tickets.

Nothing fishy here. /s