Paul Pelosi, husband of US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi, underwent surgery after being attacked with a hammer by an intruder on Friday. The 82-year-old was left with a fractured skull and several other injuries. According to reports, the doctors expect a full recovery.
The assailant, identified as David DePape, broke into the couple's San Francisco home searching for the Democratic leader and shouting, “Where is Nancy, where is Nancy?” Speaker Nancy, who was in Washington at the time of the attack, rushed back to the hospital where her husband was being treated for injuries.
Who is DePape
DePape was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, abuse and burglary. Though a motive has still not been determined, police sources say DePape targetted Pelosi's home.
Those familiar with 42-year-old DePape call him an 'odd character' who seemed 'out of touch with reality'. In a report, CNN stated that he had allegedly posted conspiracy theories on Facebook about Covid-19 vaccines , 2020 elections and also about the January 6 Capitol attack.
President Joe Biden condemned the attack on Pelosi, and called it “despicable”. He also noted that the hammer-wielding assailant used the same chant - "Where's Nancy" - heard from supporters of former President Donald Trump when they stormed the Capitol on January 6.
"Enough is enough is enough. Every person of good conscience needs to clearly and unambiguously stand up against the violence in our politics, regardless of what your politics are," Biden said in a speech in Philadelphia.
The attack raises questions about the safety of members of Congress and their families as threats to lawmakers are at an all-time high almost two years after the deadly Capitol insurrection. The attack also comes just 11 days ahead of midterm elections in which crime and public safety have emerged as top concerns among Americans.