President Joe Biden condemned the attack on Republican New York Rep. Lee Zeldin in a statement Friday.
Zeldin was nearly stabbed during a campaign event Thursday night in upstate New York after a man armed with a blade jumped on stage while Zeldin spoke about bail reform.
“I condemn the attack on Congressman Zeldin in the strongest terms. As I’ve said before, violence has absolutely no place in our society or our politics. I am especially grateful for the courage of those who immediately intervened, and that he is unharmed and was able to continue his speech,” Biden said. “I also want to thank law enforcement officers who quickly took action and are investigating this attack that defies our fundamental democratic values.”
Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul also condemned the attack in a tweet Thursday night.
