US Congressman Lee Zeldin attacked during speech: reports | News | DW

A New York congressman was attacked by a knife-wielding man on Thursday evening.

Congressman Lee Zeldin was giving a speech about bail reform when a person rushed the stage “wrestled with him a bit, and pulled a blade out,” witnesses instructed native media outlet WROC.

“Zeldin grabbed attacker’s wrist to cease him till others assisted in taking the attacker to the bottom. Regulation enforcement took the person into custody,” Katie Vincentz, a spokeswoman for Zeldin’s marketing campaign mentioned.

The incident occurred in Perinton, a city in New York State.

 The alleged attacker was suppressed and brought into custody. Zeldin was unhurt and returned to the stage quickly after the assault.

Footage shared by an area journalist confirmed the attacker approaching Zeldin earlier than being tackled.

Zeldin is the Republican candidate for governor in New York State. He has represented New York’s first district in the home of representatives since 2015. 

Zeldin is a vocal supporter of former US President Donald Trump and was voted towards certifying the 2020 election outcomes.

The Military Reserve lieutenant colonel hopes to change into the primary Republican elected governor in New York since 2002.

asw/aw (AP, Reuters)