An intruder attacked the husband of the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, with a hammer in his San Francisco home early Friday morning as he searched for the Democratic leader and yelled, “Where is Nancy? Where is Nancy?
Police responded to a 2:30 a.m. call at the home to find 82-year-old Paul Pelosi and 42-year-old shooter Dave Depape struggling over a hammer, Police Chief William Scott said. The intruder grabbed a hammer from Pelosi and began beating him, before officers overpowered him and arrested him.
Nancy Pelosi was in Washington, where she was scheduled to appear with Vice President Kamala Harris at a Saturday night fundraiser for the LGBT Human Rights Campaign, just days before a tense midterm election. harsh and sometimes violent rhetoric. The Democratic representative canceled her presentation.
The screams of the intruders in Pelosi’s house were an eerie echo of the singing during attack on the Capitol on January 6, 2021. when then-President Donald Trump’s supporters tried to prevent the certification of Joe Biden’s victory by threatening to demand the Democratic leader.
Police said a motive for Friday’s burglary had not yet been determined, but three people familiar with the investigation told The Associated Press that Depape entered Pelosi’s home on purpose. The people were not authorized to speak publicly about the ongoing investigation and asked to remain anonymous.
Police have provided few details about the attacker and his motives. But the attack raised questions about the safety of congressmen and their families. Threats against lawmakers are at an all-time high nearly two years after the attack on Capitol Hill. In the current midterm campaigns, crime and public safety have emerged as top concerns for Americans.
Paul Pelosi was badly beaten, he suffered head and body contusions. He was admitted to Zuckerberg General Hospital in San Francisco for treatment, the hospital confirmed. No word on her condition has been released at this time, but Pelosi’s spokesman said she will recover.
Lawmakers from both parties reacted with astonishment and expressed good wishes to the Pelosi family.
“What happened to Paul Pelosi was a despicable act,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said. “I spoke with (House) Speaker Pelosi this morning and expressed my deep concern and sincere wishes for her husband and family, and I wish her a speedy recovery.”
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell said on Twitter: “Horrified and outraged by reports that Paul Pelosi was assaulted in his home and Speaker Pelosi’s home last night. I’m glad to hear that Paul is on the road to a full recovery and that law enforcement agencies, including the all-star Capitol Police, are investigating.”