Paul Pelosi testifies about being attacked with a hammer at his San Francisco home

Paul Pelosi provided a detailed account of the harrowing incident during which he was attacked with a hammer in his San Francisco residence, which he shares with former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Speaking for the first time publicly about the assault, Paul Pelosi described the shock he felt upon encountering an intruder standing at his bedroom door, and the subsequent blow to his head with a hammer.

He expressed, “It was a tremendous sense of shock to recognize that somebody had broken into the house and looking at him and looking at the hammer and the ties, I recognized that I was in serious danger, so I tried to stay as calm as possible.”

The incident occurred in the early hours of October 28, 2022, just days before the midterm elections. Prosecutors assert that the assailant, David DePape, attacked Paul Pelosi with the intent of kidnapping a federal official and retaliating against the official for the performance of their duties. DePape, however, has pleaded not guilty to these charges, contending that he believed he was taking action to combat government corruption, the erosion of freedom in the United States, and the abuse of children by politicians and actors.

During the trial’s second day, Paul Pelosi’s testimony shed light on the terrifying encounter. He disclosed that he had refrained from discussing the attack with anyone, including his family, due to the traumatic nature of the incident. Although their home had an alarm system with motion detectors, Pelosi explained that he didn’t activate it when he was alone, as his movements would trigger it.

Paul Pelosi recalled being awakened by the intruder, who demanded to know the whereabouts of Nancy Pelosi. He informed DePape that his wife was in Washington, to which DePape responded by stating his intention to tie him up while they awaited her return. The assailant continued to express his belief that Nancy Pelosi was a figure of importance who needed to be removed.

Prosecutors presented police body camera footage depicting Paul Pelosi on the floor, with paramedics attending to his injuries. His face and hands were visibly covered in blood. Pelosi later underwent surgery to address a skull fracture and injuries to his arm and hands.

The trial also featured testimony from FBI agents, U.S. Capitol police officers, and a digital forensics expert, along with evidence that DePape had been gathering items for the attack months in advance.

If found guilty, David DePape could face a life sentence. He also faces additional charges in state court, including attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, elder abuse, residential burglary, and other felonies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Hammer Attack

More about Hammer Attack

• Paul Pelosi recounts attack
• David DePape trial details
• Charges against David DePape
• Paul Pelosi’s injuries
• Evidence in the trial
• Potential consequences for David DePape