The owner of a popular Long Island catering hall shot last week on the sprawling grounds of his mansion was released from the hospital Tuesday, eight days after the targeted attack.
Gary Melius is back at home at Oheka Castle, the upscale wedding venue and hotel he owns in Huntington.
"At this point it is now about getting my strength back and offering whatever assistance I can to the investigators seeking the person or persons who did this," Melius said in a prepared statement.
Melius was wounded by a gunshot to his head last Monday as he sat in his car outside the mansion. Police say the bullet did not penetrate his skull, but a source told NBC 4 New York that the gunman "tried to kill him. This was a serious attempt on his life."
Surveillance video captured the shooting, but the video doesn't clearly identify the suspect, a source told NBC 4 New York. Police are looking for a "neutral-colored" SUV as part of their investigation.
Detectives are also looking into Melius' personal and professional dealings. Melius is celebrated as a philanthropist and also has donated hundreds of thousands to politicians.
Oheka Castle says on its website that it can accommodate up to 1,000 wedding guests.
In addition to weddings, the castle hosts fundraisers, galas and numerous other high-profile events.
The oldest member of the Jonas Brothers, Kevin Jonas, was married at the 109,000-square-foot French-style chateau in 2009. Former President Bill Clinton officiated the wedding of Anthony Weiner, ex- congressman and mayoral candidate, at the castle in 2010.
--Pei-Sze Cheng and Andrew Siff contributed to this report.
