The San Francisco police took into custody a man after he attacked US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband, Paul Pelosi.
Around 2:30 AM, the police discovered David DePape, a 42-year-old man, inside the Pelosi home. The police found the suspect holding a hammer as he confronted Mr. Pelosi, who also held a hammer, according to San Francisco Police Chief William Scott. DePape wanted to injure House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, according to the police.
“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.
DePape went to the Pelosi home, according to the police, in search of Nancy Pelosi, the House Speaker. He only succeeded in finding Paul, though. “Where is Nancy?” the attacker questioned of Paul. However, Paul remained silent, and at that point, the altercation got physical. Paul’s skull received fracturing blows, and he also sustained injuries to his hands and right arm. So doctors placed him under close observation right away. The doctors in charge of Paul’s procedure assured the public that everything went according to plan. Thankfully, they anticipate a full recovery.
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No motive
The police stated that they had not yet determined the crime’s motivation. DePape’s charges include burglary, elder abuse, assault with a deadly weapon, and attempted homicide. The police will detain the suspect in San Francisco County Jail. According to reports, they established no links yet, on how DePape connects to Pelosi. However, the attacker appeared unaware of the house speaker’s whereabouts in advance.
Pelosi was in Washington when the crime took place. Unfortunately, Pelosi’s home in San Francisco was left without her security detail, leaving her husband open to attack. So the US Capitol Police, FBI, and San Francisco Police collaborated to investigate the incident. Meanwhile, Pelosi’s speaker Drew Hammill thanked the police for their quick response and requested privacy from the media.
The attacker’s attempt is only one of the tens of thousands of threats US legislators receive yearly. Each year, over 4,000 threats are reported to the US Capitol police. In addition, due to more than 10,000 threats against government officials last year, the Capitol police opened two new offices: one in Florida and one in California.
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HS Pelosi makes a statement
The senior US official expressed her sorrow over the situation on social media. Here is what she said in full:
“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. So 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
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