Suspect in Pelosi attack reportedly tried to tie up husband ‘until Nancy got home’

The person who broke into House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s (D-Calif.) home Friday morning and attacked her husband with a hammer was reportedly looking for the lawmaker herself, CNN reports, per two sources acquainted with the matter.

The male assailant apparently walked around the couple’s San Francisco house shouting, “Where is Nancy? Where is Nancy?” sources informed CNN. He additionally tried to tie up her husband, Paul Pelosi, “until Nancy got home.”

Paul, 82, was taken into surgery for injuries to his head, however is predicted to make a full recovery. The speaker was able to speak to her husband before the procedure, per CNN.

As of Friday afternoon, a motive for the assault was still unclear, per San Francisco Police Chief William Scott. David DePape, 42, has been identified as the suspect, and will likely be charged with attempted homicide. An acquaintance characterised DePape as “out of touch with reality,” CNN reports.

When police arrived at the residence, “the suspect pulled a hammer away from Mr. Pelosi and violently assaulted him with it,” Scott stated. “Our officers immediately tackled the suspect, disarmed him, took him into custody, requested emergency backup and rendered medical aid.”

President Biden is “praying” for the Pelosi family and called the speaker “to express his support after this horrible attack,” White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre mentioned in a statement.

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy additionally contacted Pelosi, his office stated.

“Leader McCarthy reached out to the Speaker to check in on Paul and stated he is praying for a full recovery and is grateful they caught the assailant,” per a McCarthy spokesperson.