Top Democrat Nancy Pelosi breaks silence after hammer attack on her husband

The top Democrat has given an update on her husband’s condition following a brutal hammer attack at their home.

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has broken her silence after a man allegedly broke into her San Francisco home and brutally attacked her husband Paul Pelosi with a hammer.

Ms Pelosi, who is third in line to the White House behind the president and vice president, was in Washington DC when a man identified as David Depape broke in through a rear window of her San Francisco home exclaiming: “Where’s Nancy?”.

Her 82-year-old husband, who sustained multiple injuries, has since undergone surgery to repair a skull fracture.

Paul and Nancy Pelosi. Picture: AFP

“Our children, our grandchildren and I are heartbroken and traumatised by the life-threatening attack on our Pop,” Ms Pelosi said in a statement to Congress.

“We are grateful for the quick response of law enforcement and emergency services, and for the lifesaving medical care he is receiving.”

“Please know that the outpouring of prayers and warm wishes from so many in the Congress is a comfort to our family and is helping Paul make progress with his recovery. His condition continues to improve.”

San Francisco Police Chief William Scott said at a press conference that officers went to the Pelosi family home in the early hours of Friday morning local time for a “wellbeing check” on Mr Pelosi.

They found Mr Pelosi and Mr Depape both appearing to hold on to a hammer, Mr Scott said. It was unclear who introduced the hammer into the confrontation.

“[The suspect] pulled the hammer away from Paul and violently assaulted him with it,” Mr Scott added.

“Our officers immediately tackled the suspect, disarmed him, took him into custody, requested emergency backup and rendered medical aid.”

.@sfpdchief on attack of @SpeakerPelosi's husband: "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." pic.twitter.com/VoKhS2HRjx

— CSPAN (@cspan) October 28, 2022

Mr Depape, 42, is expected to face several charges including-attempted homicide, assault with a deadly weapon, elder abuse, and several other additional felonies.

Mr Pelosi, 82, suffered blunt force trauma to his head and body and was being treated for bruising, severe swelling, and other injuries, according to the Associated Press.

He was admitted to Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and was also treated for serious injuries to his right arm and both hands.

San Francisco police chief William Scott speaks about the break in and attack at the home of US Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. Picture: AFP

While a motive for the attack is not currently known, CNN reported that he confronted Mr Pelosi yelling: “Where is Nancy? Where is Nancy?.”

After entering the house at 2.27am local time, Mr Depape allegedly tried to tie up Mr Pelosi, “until Nancy got home,” according to CNN.

“We’re waiting for Nancy.”

President Joe Biden had called Pelosi, 82, to express his support over the “horrible attack” and was praying for her husband.

“He is also very glad that a full recovery is expected. The president continues to condemn all violence, and asks that the family’s desire for privacy be respected,” White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement.

– with AFP

Originally published as Top Democrat Nancy Pelosi breaks silence after hammer attack on her husband