Police on Long Island are investigating a shooting near the home of U.S. Congressman Lee Zeldin, the GOP nominee for New York governor.
Two people were shot in Shirley around 2:20 p.m. Sunday on Saint George Drive West, Suffolk County Police said. They were rushed to nearby hospitals, but their conditions were immediately known.
Law enforcement sources said the shooting appears to be unrelated to the gubernatorial candidate, whose residence is on the same street as the afternoon gunfire.
"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," Zeldin said in a statement.
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Zeldin and his wife, Diana, had just left the Bronx Columbus Day Parade in Morris Park and were in the car at the time of the shooting, the congressman said. His 16-year-old daughters were both at home, doing homework, but neither was hurt, he added.
"After my daughters heard the gunshots and the screaming, they ran upstairs, locked themselves in the bathroom and immediately called 911," Zeldin said in a statement. "They acted very swiftly and smartly every step of the way and Diana and I are extremely proud of them."
"My daughters are shaken, but OK," the GOP representative continued. "Like so many New Yorkers, crime has literally made its way to our front door. My family is grateful to all who have reached out."
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It wasn't clear what prompted the shooting or whether police had identified any potential suspects.
Gov. Kathy Hochul, the Democratic nominee for New York governor, said she had been briefed on the shooting and was relieved that Zeldin and his family were OK.
