US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband ‘violently assaulted’
The husband of United States House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has been “violently assaulted” in the couple’s home in San Francisco, her office and law enforcement agencies have said.
San Francisco Police Chief William Scott identified the suspect in Friday’s attack as 42-year-old David Depape, saying he used a hammer to strike Paul Pelosi, 82. Citing unidentified sources, the Associated Press news agency and CNN reported that the attacker was searching for the House Speaker as he entered the home – shouting: “Where is Nancy, where is Nancy?”
In a brief news conference, Scott said the motive behind the assault was “still being determined”.
“Mr. Depape will be booked at the San Francisco County jail on the following charges: attempted homicide, assault with a deadly weapon, elder abuse, burglary and several other additional felonies,” the police chief told reporters, offering no further details about the suspect.
Scott also suggested that police officers witnessed the attack. “Our officers observed Mr Pelosi and the suspect both holding a hammer,” he said. “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.”
