By Hank Russell
Cover photo: Lee Zeldin speaking at a rally for Ed Romaine (left) in Farmingdale in 2023 (Credit – Hank Russell)
Suffolk County police were called to the residence of former U.S. Congressman Lee Zeldin (R-Shirley) in response to a bomb threat that included a pipe bomb found in his mailbox, according to various news reports.
“Suffolk County Police responded to the Zeldin home at 8:52 a.m. on November 27 after receiving a report of a bomb threat, specifically a pipe bomb in the mailbox, at the location,” the SCPD said in a statement. “Emergency Service Section officers checked the property and no devices were found.”
Zeldin — who has been tapped by President-elect Donald Trump (R-FL) to head up the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) — described the incident on social media. “A pipe bomb threat targeting me and my family at our home today was sent in with a pro-Palestinian themed message,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter). “My family and I were not home at the time and are safe. We are working with law enforcement to learn more as this situation develops. We are thankful for the swift actions taken by local officers to keep our family, neighbors, and local community secure.”
This is not the first time police came to Zeldin’s home. On October 9, 2022, two gang members were shot in front of his house by a rival while Zeldin’s two daughters were inside the house doing their homework. The shooter, Noah Green, was sentenced to 12 years in prison two years later for attempted murder, criminal possession of a weapon and conspiracy.
In addition, Zeldin was nearly a victim himself in 2022, when David Jakubonis, 43, of Fairport, tried to stab Zeldin during his campaign for governor in upstate Monroe County. Zeldin was able to disarm Jakubonis, who was later arrested for, and charged with, attempted assault. According to news reports, Jakubonis walked onto the stage, swung a knife at Zeldin and said, “You’re done.”
Long Island Life & Politics reached out to the Trump-Vance transition team for comment. The team’s spokesperson, Karoline Leavitt (R-NH), said this was not an isolated incident.
“Last night and this morning, several of President Trump’s Cabinet nominees and Administration appointees were targeted in violent, un-American threats to their lives and those who live with them,” Leavitt said in a statement. “These attacks ranged from bomb threats to ‘swatting.’ In response, law enforcement and other authorities acted quickly to ensure the safety of those who were targeted. President Trump and the entire Transition team are grateful for their swift action. President Trump and the Transition [team] are focused on doing the work of uniting our nation by ensuring a safe and prosperous future. With President Trump as our example, dangerous acts of intimidation and violence will not deter us.”
This article originally appeared in Long Island Life and Politics. For more from LILP, visit them online at lilifepolitics.com.
