Paul Pelosi, husband of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, provided a harrowing account of the night he was brutally attacked in his San Francisco home during the federal trial of David DePape, the accused assailant. Pelosi, 83, recounted the chilling events of October 28, 2022, when he awoke to find a large man, later identified as DePape, standing in his bedroom with a hammer.
In his testimony, Pelosi detailed the immediate danger he sensed. "The door opened and a very large man came in with a hammer in one hand and some ties in the other and he said, 'Where's Nancy' as I think that woke me up," he said. Pelosi, who was asleep when DePape burst in, was left with a fractured skull and serious injuries to his right arm and hands.
The incident unfolded as Pelosi managed to call 911 discreetly, hoping for rescue. When police arrived, he thought the worst had been averted. However, DePape then struck him on the head with the hammer, leaving Pelosi unconscious in a pool of blood. Police body camera footage of the attack was presented to jurors, capturing the horrifying moment.
Federal prosecutors have charged DePape with attempted kidnapping of a federal official and assault on the immediate family member of a federal official with intent to retaliate against the official for performance of their duties. The trial also included testimony from law enforcement officials, including FBI agents and U.S. Capitol police officers, who discussed the security apparatus at the Pelosis' home and the surveillance footage capturing DePape's movements prior to the attack.
Defense attorney Jodi Linker argued that DePape, influenced by conspiracy theories, believed he was acting to stop government corruption. Prosecutors, however, portrayed a more calculated plan, alleging that DePape had been plotting the attack for months.
In his emotional testimony, Pelosi emphasized his efforts to put the traumatic experience behind him. "I have not discussed this incident with anybody. And I have encouraged my family not to either," he said. "I have tried to put it out of my mind. It wasn't until [the prosecutor's] meeting with you and your associates that I talked about this. I've made the best effort that I possibly can to not re-live this."
DePape, who also faces charges in state court, including attempted murder, could receive a life sentence if convicted. His trial has spotlighted the potential dangers public figures face, especially in an era rife with political division and conspiracy theories. The incident has reverberated beyond the courtroom, raising questions about security measures for government officials and their families.
