Attempted Murder Charges in Pelosi Home Attack

Police say intruder assaulted House speaker's husband with a hammer
By John Johnson,  Newser Staff
Posted Oct 28, 2022 12:33 PM CDT
Updated Oct 28, 2022 1:15 PM CDT
Paul Pelosi Attacker Allegedly Shouted, 'Where Is Nancy'
Nancy Pelosi and her husband, Paul Pelosi, pictured in 2019.   (AP Photo/Kevin Wolf, File)

New details emerging in the assault on Nancy Pelosi's husband suggest the attacker went to their home looking for the House speaker. The intruder who broke into the couple's San Francisco residence overnight Thursday was shouting, "Where is Nancy?" according to multiple reports, including at the Washington Post, Politico, and the AP. The House speaker was not home or even in San Francisco Thursday night, but was instead in DC, per the New York Times. CNN reports that when police arrived, the attacker told them he was "waiting for Nancy."

  • The arrest: “Our officers observed Mr. Pelosi and the suspect both holding a hammer," San Francisco Police Chief William Scott said Friday afternoon. "The suspect pulled the hammer away from Mr. Pelosi and violently assaulted him with it. Our officers immediately tackled the suspect, disarmed him, took him into custody, requested emergency backup, and rendered medical aid.”
  • Suspect: The police chief identified the suspect as 42-year-old David Depape and said he will be charged with attempted homicide, assault with a deadly weapon, elder abuse (Paul Pelosi is 82), and more. An acquaintance describes the suspect to CNN as a “megalomaniac and so out of touch with reality,” and as someone with a history of substance abuse. He has posted conspiracy memes about COVID-19, the Capitol attack, and the 2020 election, per CNN.
  • Injuries: Paul Pelosi "suffered blunt force injuries to his head and body," per the AP, though Nancy Pelosi's office says he is expected to make a full recovery. He was still hospitalized and being treated for bruising, swelling, and other injuries, per the AP.

The "Where is Nancy?" line echoes the chants used by rioters in 2021 as they stormed the Capitol building. The Capitol Police say they are assisting the FBI and city police with the investigation. President Biden reached out to Nancy Pelosi to offer his support on Friday, as did GOP House leader Kevin McCarthy. (The assault comes amid an uptick of security threats involving members of Congress.)

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