Attacker yells: ‘Where’s Nancy?’ Attacked at Pelosi’s home

The intruder who attacked the husband of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi at his San Francisco home was looking for the Democratic leader and shouting “Where’s Nancy, where’s Nancy?” before attacking Paul Pelosi with a hammer.

It was a shocking echo of the chants during the insurgency in the Capitol on Jan. 6, when an attempt to stop Joe Biden’s election scoured the lobby of the lobby for speakers.

Paul Pelosi broke into Pelosi’s home early Friday and was attacked and severely beaten by an attacker with a hammer, according to people familiar with the matter.

“The motive for this attack is still being determined,” San Francisco Police Chief William Scott said at a news conference.

Mr Scott said the suspect was identified as David DePape. He was detained.

“Our police observed that both Mr. Pelosi and the suspect were holding hammers,” Mr. Scott said. “The suspect pulled the hammer away from Mr. Pelosi and violently attacked him with it. Our officers dealt with the suspect immediately, disarmed him, took him into custody, called for emergency support and provided medical attention. .”

Mr Scott said DePape was charged with attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, elder abuse and other counts.

The 82-year-old suffered blunt force injuries to the head and body, according to two people who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity to discuss the ongoing investigation.

The suspect has been identified as David DePape, two people familiar with the matter told The Associated Press. He was detained.

Paul Pelosi is being treated by doctors for bruises, severe swelling and other injuries. Nancy Pelosi’s office said he is expected to make a full recovery.

Nearly two years after the Capitol riots, threats to lawmakers are at an all-time high. The attack also came 11 days before the midterm elections, in which crime and public safety have become Americans’ top concerns.

In 2021, Capitol Police investigated some 9,600 threats against members of Congress, who have been physically assaulted in recent years.

In 2011, former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords was shot in the head during an event outside a Tucson grocery store, and in 2017, Rep. Steve Scalise was seriously injured when a gunman opened fire on the training ground of the Republican congressional baseball team.

Members of Congress have already received extra dollars for the security of their homes, but as people show up in their homes and lawmakers receive more and more threatening communications, some are demanding more protection.

Nancy Pelosi was in Washington with the details of her protection when her husband was attacked, said Capitol Police, which protects congressional leaders.

Capitol Police said the FBI and San Francisco police are also investigating. The suspect was taken into custody by San Francisco police.

Paul Pelosi, a wealthy investor who often sided with Nancy Pelosi at formal events in Washington, has remained on the West Coast most of the time. They have five grown children and many grandchildren. The two have been married for 59 years.

Earlier this year, Paul Pelosi pleaded guilty to misdemeanor driving in connection with a May crash in California’s wine country and was sentenced to five days in prison and three years of probation.

President Joe Biden and lawmakers from both parties were shocked by the attack and sent their best wishes to the Pelosi family.

“What happened to Paul Pelosi is despicable,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said.

“I spoke with Speaker Pelosi earlier this morning to express my deepest concern and heartfelt wishes to her husband and their family and wish him a speedy recovery.”

“We’ve been at many events with Pelosis over the past two decades, and we’ve had many opportunities to talk about our family and the challenges of being part of the political family. Think Pelosi today West family,” Senroy Blunt tweeted.

White House press secretary Karin Jean-Pierre said President Joe Biden has also been in touch with Nancy Pelosi.

“The president is praying for Paul Pelosi and Speaker Pelosi’s family,” Ms. Jean-Pierre said.

“This morning, after this horrific attack, he called Speaker Pelosi to express his support. He is also delighted to have made a full recovery. The president continues to condemn all acts of violence and demand that the family’s privacy be respected. eager.”