David Jakubonis, 43, appeared before Magistrate Judge Marian Payson in the Western District of New York on Thursday for a bail hearing, but the judge ruled that more information was needed, according to a statement from a Justice Department spokeswoman. Barbara Burns.
Payson asked to review videos of Jakubonis’ interview with law enforcement after his arrest, as well as video of the incident, Burns said in the statement.
Zeldin was giving a speech in Fairport, New York, on July 21 when a man came on stage “and attempted to stab” Zeldin, a campaign statement said.
The GOP lawmaker “grabbed the attacker’s wrist to stop him until several others helped bring the attacker to the ground,” according to the statement.
The congressman returned to the stage to finish his remarks after the alleged perpetrator was taken into custody, Zeldin’s campaign said.
Jakubonis was initially released on his own recognizance shortly after an initial statewide arrest, but has since been charged federally with assaulting a member of Congress with a dangerous weapon, Burns previously said.
Jakubonis had approached the congressman, held out a key ring with two sharp points toward him and grabbed his arm, according to a statement from U.S. Attorney for Western New York Trini E. Ross on Saturday. He is scheduled to return to court for a status conference on August 24.