What we know about Lee Zeldin attacker David Jakubonis after Army, wife’s death

FAIRPORT, NY — The psychological state of a New York man who allegedly attacked Congressman Lee Zeldin dramatically worsened following the embellished vet’s discharge from the Military and the demise of his spouse, The Submit has realized.

David Jakubonis, 43, of Fairport, spiraled right into a “fast decline” within the aftermath of the demise of his spouse, Candyce, and his medical discharge in 2012, a former neighbor instructed The Submit on Friday.

“He’s going via some type of psychological break,” stated the neighbor, who requested to not be recognized on account of fears of reprisal. “He grew to become an increasing number of indifferent over time after his spouse died.”

The previous neighbor stated he used to spend time with the embellished veteran, his spouse and their twins whereas dwelling in Fairport a couple of decade in the past. Jakubonis tried to maintain up their relationship as acquaintances, however his common messages had been arduous to comply with.

“He’s a peculiar man, he has social points,” the ex-neighbor stated. “He would say or do issues like an adolescent would do.”

Jakubonis and his late spouse had been heavy drinkers, the neighbor alleged, including his opinion that the Military vet nonetheless had points with booze.

“I imagine he nonetheless drinks quite a bit,” the neighbor alleged.

Military veteran David Jakubonis allegedly attacked Rep. Lee Zeldin throughout a marketing campaign cease on July 21, 2022.

AP

In accordance with a neighbor, Jakubonis’ psychological well being worsened after his discharge from the Military and the demise of his spouse.

Jakubonis, who by no means mentioned politics or talked about being offended at anybody, reached out to his former neighbor as just lately as Wednesday through Fb and telephone, however the neighbor stated he didn’t decide up.

“Actually, bro, there was one thing that I couldn’t place with him,” the person continued. “There was one thing not proper about how he would speak. Not like I assumed this man was going to go nutso, however he didn’t appear linked to actuality.”

Jakubonis’ brother was granted custody of the vet’s two kids following his spouse’s demise, based on the neighbor, who stated he wasn’t shocked when instructed of Thursday’s assault.

Jakubonis obtained a medical discharge from the navy in 2012.

“I all the time had this reservation about him,” the neighbor stated. “He all the time had one thing not proper with him.”

One among Jakubonis’ present neighbors, who additionally didn’t wish to be named, instructed The Submit he had been appearing surprisingly over the past month or two — and had taken to blasting loud music in his house.

“He’s all the time been quiet, he’s all the time been cordial, however as of late he’s been type of loud,” the neighbor stated.

The neighbor added they’d overheard Jakubonis chatting with a property supervisor on the advanced Friday morning and the phrase “relapse” was thrown into the dialog.

The neighbor described Jakubonis as going via “some type of psychological break” and having “social points.”

“I simply really feel dangerous as a result of phrase is he has relapsed,” the neighbor alleged. “The whole lot made sense, if he’s relapsing, music’s getting loud these days.”

Of the assault on Zeldin, the neighbor added: “I really feel for him, it simply looks as if a political factor, it simply appeared like he was p—ed off with the man.”

Jakubonis was been launched on his personal recognizance after being arrested for second-degree tried assault on the rally in Perinton.

The unemployed Military vet has been “actively looking for employment” since 2015, based on a LinkedIn profile in his identify.

Jakubonis’ brother obtained custody of his children after his spouse Candyce’s demise.

“Rent me,” the profile reads.

Jakubonis studied medical laboratory sciences at George Washington College in 2007 and 2008. He then took up felony justice and psychology at Rochester Institute of Know-how from 2012 via 2014. He additionally served as a medical laboratory technician for the Military from 2007 to 2012, based on the profile.

Jakubonis additionally joined RIT’s Veterans Membership in 2014. He nonetheless serves because the group’s chief of morale, his LinkedIn profile reveals.

Jakubonis’ Instagram account had just one put up — from Might 2020 — nonetheless seen as of Friday.

“Let’s all hope Zeldin wins and places this jackass in jail for the remainder of his life!!” one remark learn.

Jakubonis didn't return a message looking for remark by The Submit on Friday.

Jakubonis was charged with second-degree tried assault and launched on his personal recognizance.

WHEC

Military Main Jackie Wren instructed The Submit that Jakubonis served within the Military as a Medical Laboratory Specialist from January 2007 to January 2012.

He deployed to Iraq from December 2008 to December 2009 and held the rank of specialist (E4) on the finish of service.

And he racked up a dozen medals alongside the way in which, together with a Bronze Star, Military Commendation and two Military Achievement medals in addition to one for Good Conduct and the Nationwide Protection Service medal.

Military Pfc. David G. Jakubonis was recognized in a 2009 information report as being mobilized and activated for deployment abroad throughout Operation Iraqi Freedom.