Paul Pelosi Attacked by Intruder Before Midterms
Just a week before midterms, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi’s husband, Paul Pelosi, was victim of a politically motivated attack. An intruder broke in to the Pelosi’s home on October 28th and violently assulted Mr. Pelosi with a hammer. Both men were taken to a hospital to recieve medical aid. Mr. Pelosi underwent surgery for skull fractures and injuries to his hands and right arm.
The suspect David DePape, told police he was looking to interrogate Nancy Pelosi, on an unspecified political matter. He had a “roll of tape, white tope, a second hammer, a pair of rubber and cloth gloves, and zip ties” according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
DePape’s online presence, was described by the police as bigoted sentiments against minorities, jews, women and transgender people, while supporting the right wing conspiracy of QAnon.
San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announched several state charges against the 42-year-old suspect, including attempted murder, assualt with a deadly weapon, burglary, elder abuse, and threatening a public official. The federal charges DePape faces carry a maximum sentance of 50 years in prison, according to the Justice Department. The arraignment will take place on Tuesday, November 8th.
As midterms approach, the increase politically based attacks in recent years have stirred fears in Members of Congress that online misinformtion and polarization will lead to actual violence.
