What is known about the hammer attack on Paul Pelosi

By
Reuters
|
FBI agents work outside the home of U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi where her husband Paul Pelosi was violently assaulted after a break-in at their house, according to a statement from her office, in San Francisco, California, US, October 28, 2022.— Reuters
FBI agents work outside the home of U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi where her husband Paul Pelosi was violently assaulted after a break-in at their house, according to a statement from her office, in San Francisco, California, US, October 28, 2022.— Reuters

A hammer-wielding man has attacked Paul Pelosi, the husband of US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, during a break-in at the couple's San Francisco home. 

"This was not a random act. This was intentional. And it's wrong," San Francisco Police Chief William Scott told a news conference. Scott declined to comment further on a possible motive for the assault.

President Joe Biden called the attack "despicable" and denounced those who spread lies about stolen elections for corroding the political climate and contributing to politically motivated violence.

Here is what is known about the attack:

  • Police arrested the man and identified him as David Depape, 42. He is to be charged with attempted homicide, assault with a deadly weapon, elder abuse and burglary, among other felony charges, police said.

  • Police said they were investigating the motive for the attack. Media reports say the attacker could be heard asking the whereabouts of Nancy Pelosi, one of the most senior figures in the Democratic Party. She was in Washington at the time of the attack with her security detail.

  • Paul Pelosi was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment and although the extent of his injuries remained unclear he was expected to make a full recovery, according to a statement by his wife's office.

  • US President Joe Biden and other politicians, including prominent Republicans, have condemned the attack, which happened less than two weeks before midterm elections in which control of the US House of Representatives and Senate is at stake.

  • Police have confirmed only the suspect's name and age. Little else is known about the man arrested, but a person with the same name has recently posted on various websites about their support for far-right anti-Semitic conspiracy theories, including the cult-like QAnon movement.