David Jakubonis arrested on federal charge after attempted assault on Rep. Lee Zeldin
NEW YORK -- David Jakubonis, the man accused of trying to attack Rep. Lee Zeldin, the Republican nominee for New York governor, was arrested Saturday on a federal assault charge.
Jakubonis, 43, has been charged with assaulting a member of Congress using a dangerous weapon. It carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
Friday, Jakubonis was arraigned on a separate state charge and released without bail.
Jakubonis was seen trying to swing a sharp instrument at Zeldin's neck at a rally near Rochester on Thursday. Zeldin was not hurt.
The gubernatorial candidate was asked about the new charges Saturday.
"If I was to put on a prosecutorial hat, which I am not wearing right now, but if I was to put one on, I would offer that there are elements that I believe could get met for a more severe charge," he said.
Jakubonis is being held pending his next hearing on July 27.