What is known about the attack on Speaker Pelosi’s husband

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Man broke into House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s San Francisco home and brutally beat her 82-year-old husband, Paul Pelosi, with a hammer early Friday morning while the Democratic lawmaker was in Washington.

Paul Pelosi underwent surgery to repair a fractured skull and serious injuries to his right hand and hands, and his doctors expect a full recovery, the speaker’s office said.

David DepapeA 42-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, elder abuse and burglary, the police said.

“It was not a random act. It was intentional. And that’s wrong,” said San Francisco Police Chief William Scott.

There was violence the last push to an increasingly fragmented political system riddled with extremism.

An overview of what is known about the attack and the suspect:

WHAT HAPPENED?

A hammer-wielding attacker forced his way through the back door of Pelosi’s San Francisco residence shortly before 2:30 a.m. Friday. The man confronted Paul Pelosi and yelled, “Where’s Nancy,” according to a person familiar with the situation who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the matter.

Paul Pelosi called 911 himself, and when the police arrived, they found him struggling with the attacker. The man managed to hit Pelosi at least once with the hammer before officers grabbed him and arrested him, police said.

Nancy Pelosi was in Washington at the time of the attack.

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HOW IS PAUL PELOSI?

He underwent surgery to repair a fractured skull and serious injuries to his right hand and hand, and his doctors expect a full recovery, the speaker’s office said Friday. There were no updates on his condition Saturday.

Nancy Pelassi arrived in San Francisco late Friday. Her motorcade was seen arriving at the hospital where her husband was being treated.

The couple has been married since 1963.

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WHAT DO THE INVESTIGATORS SAY?

Scott, the San Francisco police chief, said the attack was not a random act. “It was intentional,” he said.

Police did not immediately confirm a motive, but three people with knowledge of the investigation told The Associated Press that the attacker targeted Pelosi’s home.

The FBI and Capitol Police are also involved in the joint investigation.

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WHO IS THE SUSPECT?

DePape is expected to be arraigned next week on charges of attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, elder abuse and burglary. After the arrest, he was taken to the hospital, where he remained until Friday evening.

DePape frequently posted on social media, often making racist and promiscuous comments that included questioning the outcome of the 2020 election, defending former President Donald Trump, and repeating QAnon conspiracy theories.

After living in the San Francisco Bay Area for two decades, he was known locally as a pro-nudity activist who picketed naked to protest laws requiring people to be clothed in public.

He grew up in Powell River, British Columbia, before following his older girlfriend to California. He has three children with two women. Stepfather Gene DePape said the suspect lived with him in Canada until he was 14 and was a quiet boy.

“He was withdrawn,” said Gene DePaipe. “He was never violent.”

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HAVE OTHER MEMBERS OF CONGRESS BEEN THREATENED?

It’s been nearly two years since the riots at the US Capitol, when Trump supporters stormed the building and began hunting Pelosi and other members of Congress. since then threats to deputies and their families increased dramatically.

The US Capitol Police investigated nearly 10,000 threats against members last year, more than double the number from four years ago.

Lawmakers are pushing for increased security, especially for their families and their homes outside of Washington. Security officials have pledged to pay for upgrades to some security systems and an increased Capitol Police presence outside of Washington. But the vast majority of members are mostly on their own.

The attack on Paul Pelosi happened when Nancy Pelosi was out of town, which meant there were fewer security guards at their home.