Lee Zeldin says two people shot outside his home, daughters called 911

Dustin Racioppi, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
·2 min read
5
  • Oops!
    Something went wrong.
    Please try again later.
  • Oops!
    Something went wrong.
    Please try again later.

Law enforcement is investigating a shooting at the home of Lee Zeldin, the Republican candidate for governor of New York.

Zeldin said his teenage children were doing homework when they heard gunshots.

He said in a statement: "After my daughters heard the gunshots and the screaming, they ran upstairs, locked themselves in the bathroom and immediately called 911. They acted very swiftly and smartly every step of the way and Diana and I are extremely proud of them. The two individuals who were shot were laying down under my front porch and the bushes in front of our porch. My understanding is that they have been transported to area hospitals. I do not know their identities."

BALDWIN, NEW YORK - JUNE 28: NY GOP Candidate for Governor Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-NY) speaks during his election night party at the Coral House on June 28, 2022 in Baldwin, New York. Front runner Rep. Zeldin won the GOP Primary for NY Governor over his three primary challengers. Zeldin is one of 139 House Republicans to object to the certification of the 2020 presidential election results after the insurrection at the Capitol Jan. 6, 2021. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 775832102 ORIG FILE ID: 1405730384

It's the second violent episode this campaign connected to Zeldin. In July, a man approached Zeldin and was later charged with attempted assault. Zeldin was not hurt.

July: Lee Zeldin attacked during campaign speech near Rochester

Suffolk County Police confirmed two people were taken to hospitals for injuries Sunday, but it did not specify.

"Suffolk County Police Seventh Squad detectives are investigating a shooting that injured two people outside a residence on Saint George Drive West in Shirley at 2:20 p.m.," police said in an email.

On Twitter, Gov. Kathy Hochul, the Democratic incumbent, said she was briefed on the shooting.

"I’m relieved to hear the Zeldin family is safe and grateful for law enforcement's quick response," she said.

More:After attempted assault on Lee Zeldin, should major candidates get more security in NY?

More:Incident at Zeldin campaign event collides with volatile election issue, raises ethics questions

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Lee Zeldin says two people shot outside his home, daughters called 911