According to the FBI, David DePape, the man suspected of breaking into the Pelosi residence and putting Paul Pelosi in critical condition, indicated he planned to hold the House speaker hostage and “crush her kneecaps” if she lied to him.
When the suspect allegedly burst into the couple’s San Francisco home, he was carrying zip ties and yelling “Where’s Nancy?”, evoking the January 6 Capitol disturbance.
The Department of Justice charged DePape with assault and attempted kidnapping on Monday.
This week, the suspect, who is now in detention, is scheduled to appear in court on separate state charges. DePape will be arraigned on counts of attempted homicide, first-degree burglary, assault with a deadly weapon, aggravated battery with significant bodily injury, elder abuse, and threatening a public official or family member, among others, according to San Francisco police.
According to Fox News, DePape had been living in the United States unlawfully as a “longtime” visa overstay.
According to a Department of Justice press release, Paul Pelosi, one of two individuals home at the time of the incident, called the police, who came two minutes later to discover the 82-year-old and DePape, 42, fighting over a hammer.
Officers demanded that the men put down the hammer. DePape then seized hold of the weapon and swung it at Pelosi’s head before being detained as she lay unconscious on the ground.
Pelosi was sleeping when DePape barged into his bedroom and wanted to speak with ‘Nancy.’
Pelosi informed the intruder that his wife was not present and would not be for several days, and DePape responded by stating that he would wait. Pelosi managed to lock himself in the restroom while calling 911.