The San Francisco police detained a man after he launched an assault against US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband, Paul Pelosi.
The police found the 42-year-old man, David DePape, inside the Pelosi household around 2:30 AM. San Francisco Police Chief William Scott said they found the suspect holding a hammer as he confronted Mr. Pelosi, who was also seen with a hammer. The police added that DePape intended to attack House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
“Our officers observed Mr. Pelosi and the suspect both holding a hammer. 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,” said police Chief Officer Scott.
According to the police, DePape went to the Pelosi household and looked for House Speaker Nancy. However, he only found Paul instead. The assailant asked Paul where the house speaker was. But Paul did not answer, and that was when the physical encounter began. Paul immediately went under close observation following a skull fracture and injuries to his hands and right arms. Doctors overseeing Paul’s operation assured the public that the operation went successfully. Fortunately, they expect a full recovery.
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No motive yet
The police said they are yet to identify the motive for the crime. However, DePape will face several charges, including assault with a deadly weapon, attempted homicide, elder abuse, and burglary, among other felonies. The suspect will be sent to the San Francisco County jail, where he will await litigation. According to reports, no links have been established yet, on how DePape connects to Pelosi. However, it seemed the assailant did not have prior notice of the house speaker’s whereabouts.
When the crime happened, Pelosi was in Washington. Unfortunately, without Pelosi and her security detail in her home in San Francisco, it left her husband vulnerable to an assault. Pelosi’s speaker Drew Hammill thanked the police for the swift response and asked for privacy from the media as the United States Capitol Police, the FBI, and San Francisco Police joined hands to investigate the incident.
The assailant’s attempt is just one of the thousands of threats that US lawmakers face yearly. According to the US Capitol police, over 4,000 threats go through their office annually. Last year, the agency recorded over 10,000 threats against officials, leading to the Capitol police creating two new offices, one in California and one in Florida.
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A statement from HS Pelosi
The US senior official took to social media to express her grief over the matter. Her full statement reads:
“Sadly, a violent man broke into our family home yesterday morning, demanded to confront me and brutally attacked my husband, Paul. Our children, our grandchildren and I are heartbroken and traumatized by the life-threatening attack on our Pop. We are grateful for the quick response of law enforcement and emergency services, and for the life-saving medical care he is receiving.”
“Please know that your prayers and warm wishes are a comfort to our family and helping Paul make progress with his recovery. His condition continues to improve.”
“We are also comforted by these words from the Book of Isaiah: “Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
“We thank you for your prayers and warm wishes as well as the work you do to strengthen our Democracy.”
Photo Credit: Jemal Countess
Source: NPR
