UNITED STATES: According to authorities, a trespasser who demanded to meet U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi forced entry into her San Francisco home early on Friday and beat her husband with a hammer, stoking concerns about political violence before the Nov. 8 midterm elections.
A trespasser hits Paul Pelosi with a hammer
Paul Pelosi, 82, was brought to a hospital in San Francisco where he underwent surgery for a skull fracture as well as wounds to his right arm and wrists, according to a statement from a representative for the House speaker. According to the statement issued by doctors, her spouse should fully recover.
David Depape, 42, was the man who was detained on the spot and was also taken to the hospital.
He was recorded into the San Francisco County Jail, according to online sheriff’s records, on suspicion of attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, elder abuse, burglary, and other offenses. Since Depape was still hospitalized when the arrest was made, San Francisco Police Chief William Scott later told reporters that the booking may have taken place in absentia.
The Democratic U.S. House of Representatives speaker, who is second in line for the presidency under the country’s constitution, was in Washington at the time of the incident, according to the U.S. Capitol Police.
The event occurred in the middle of a highly charged political environment, fewer than two weeks before the midterm elections that will determine control of the House and U.S. Senate.
The three-story red brick townhouse owned by the Pelosis was broken into, according to police chief Scott, through the back door. The home, which is situated in the upscale Pacific Heights area of the city, has glass that was broken on a back door, according to aerial photographs.
Depape and Paul Pelosi were reportedly fighting inside the home when officers arrived at the scene at 2:27 a.m. Pacific time (09:27 GMT), according to Scott. Depape grabbed the hammer away and was observed striking Pelosi at least once, according to the chief, as the three officers called for both men to drop the equipment.
According to Scott, the officers then tackled, disarmed, and arrested Depape before transporting both men to a hospital.
Pelosi, 82, is frequently criticized by Republicans and frequently appears in attack commercials as a longstanding congressman from one of America’s most liberal cities and a leader of the Democratic Party in Washington.
During the attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, by supporters of Republican former President Donald Trump, some of them went looking for her.
Also Read: Nancy Pelosi’s Husband, Paul Pelosi Pleads Guilty to DUI Charge
