David G. Jakubonis, Assault on a Federal Official, New York 2022

A Fairport man is facing serious charges after allegedly attacking a congressman using a dangerous weapon. According to the U.S. Attorney’s office, David G. Jakubonis, 43, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with assaulting a member of Congress using a dangerous weapon. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.

The incident occurred on July 21, 2022, during a gubernatorial campaign event in Perinton, NY. Congressman Lee Zeldin, a Republican candidate for Governor of New York, was speaking from the bed of a flatbed trailer when Jakubonis approached him. Jakubonis reportedly extended a keychain with two sharp points toward Congressman Zeldin and grabbed his arm, leading to a struggle between the two men. Bystanders intervened, and Jakubonis pulled Congressman Zeldin down onto the bed of the trailer, stating several times during the assault, “you’re done.”

Jakubonis was subdued and arrested. The defendant made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Marion W. Payson and is being held pending a detention hearing on July 27, 2022, at 10:30 a.m.

The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia, the U.S. Capitol Police, under the direction of Assistant Special Agent-in-Charge Chad Beckett, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Brian J. Ratajczak, the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith, and the Brighton Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Catholdi.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett A. Harvey. For more information, contact Barbara Burns at (716) 843-5817 or (716) 551-3051.

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