David DePape is accused of breaking into the residence of the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives in an attempt to kidnap her and assaulting her husband Paul with a hammer.
According to court testimony, a man accused of assaulting the husband of US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi spoke to “evil in Washington” and suggested other targets, including actor Tom Hanks.
David DePape is suspected of breaking into the Pelosis’ house in San Francisco on October 28 in an attempt to kidnap the speaker, who was not present.
Instead, he struck her 82-year-old husband, Paul Pelosi, with a hammer, sending shockwaves through the political community.
During a preliminary hearing on Wednesday, San Francisco Superior Court Judge Stephen Murphy determined that prosecutors had presented sufficient evidence to proceed with a trial on the state charges, including attempted murder.
Lt. Carla Hurley, who examined DePape for an hour on the day of the attack, said that the defendant mentioned further targets, including Oscar-winner Tom Hanks, California Governor Gavin Newsom, and President Joe Biden’s son Hunter.
The officer did not disclose whether or not the police had evidence of a plot against them.
Kyle Cagney, a fellow police officer, reported seeing both Mr. DePape and Mr. Pelosi wielding the hammer as the door opened.
He told the court that DePape disregarded the police’ commands to drop the weapon and instead surged and swung the hammer at Mr. Pelosi.
Mr. Pelosi was rendered unconscious before regaining consciousness in a pool of his blood.
Later, he required surgery to fix a fractured skull and severe injuries to his right arm and hands.
Lt. Hurley reported that DePape told her he was searching for Mrs. Pelosi and that he informed her husband that he was not part of the plot.
She stated that DePape continued to tell Mr. Pelosi, “I can remove you, I can remove you.”
Lt. Hurley said that DePape told her that after spotting the lights of a police vehicle, he informed Mr. Pelosi: “I will not capitulate; I am here to fight. If you prevent me from pursuing individuals, you will instead be punished.”
During Wednesday’s court sessions, at which Christine Pelosi, one of the Pelosis’ five adult children, was present, prosecutors displayed the hammer that was reportedly used in the attack.
The office of the district attorney played an audio recording of Mr. Pelosi’s 911 call to San Francisco police in the courtroom.
Additionally, they displayed less than one minute of video obtained by body cameras during the attack. Despite minimal information, the 911 dispatcher is largely recognized for dispatching two cops to the couple’s residence.
Wednesday, DePape appeared in court wearing an orange jumpsuit and pled not guilty to federal and state crimes including attempted murder, burglary, and elder abuse.
He continues to be held without bond. He will return to court on December 28.
Mrs. Pelosi was in Washington at the time of her husband’s attack, protected by her security detail, which does not extend to family members.
After nearly two decades in the position, she announced last month that she will not seek re-election as House Democratic leader.
