California man Farzad Fazeli was arrested Tuesday for allegedly trying to stab a congressional candidate at a fair on Sunday, police said.

Local media identified the candidate as Republican Rudy Peters, who is challenging Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell in November. Peters survived serious injury thanks to a malfunctioning switchblade, the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office said Tuesday. The attempted stabbing was preceded by Fazeli making “disparaging remarks” about the Republican Party, according to the sheriff’s office. (RELATED: Scalise Warns ‘Some On The Left’ Are ‘Inciting’ Violence)

Fazeli “approached the victim in an aggressive manner and made disparaging remarks about his political party and elected officials,” Alameda County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement, citing witness statements. (RELATED: ‘Abolish ICE’ Vandals Throw Brick Through GOP Office, Leave Behind Graffiti Message)

“During the incident, Fazeli is suspected to have pulled out a switchblade knife and attempted to stab the victim. The knife malfunctioned and the victim became involved in a physical struggle with Fazeli.”

“I’m glad to hear Mr. Peters is okay,” Swalwell wrote on Twitter Tuesday afternoon. “But it’s NEVER okay to use violence to settle political disagreements (or any disagreement).”

Sunday’s alleged attempted stabbing came three days after a GOP office in Wyoming was set on fire, just two days after opening. Police said they believe the fire was set intentionally.

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