Reports on the early morning attack on Paul Pelosi, the 82-year-old husband of Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), state that Pelosi was “severely beaten” on the head and body with a hammer in an attack that allegedly targeted the Pelosi home. Nancy Pelosi was in Washington, D.C. according to her office. A suspect was taken into custody.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 23: Paul Pelosi and Nancy Pelosi attend the TIME 100 Gala 2019 Cocktails at Jazz at Lincoln Center on April 23, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images for TIME)
CNN reported on the use of a hammer, “From @WhitneyWReports & @JohnMillerCNN: Per law enforcement sources, the husband of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Paul Pelosi, was attacked in his SF area home overnight by a male assailant who used a hammer in the attack. Nancy Pelosi was in DC at the time.”
The AP followed, confirming the hammer and adding sources claiming the Pelosi home was targeted (excerpt):
The suspect who attacked Paul Pelosi, House speaker’s husband, specifically targeted their San Francisco home, people familiar with the matter said Friday.
Pelosi was attacked and severely beaten by an assailant with a hammer. Pelosi, 82, suffered blunt force trauma to his head and body, according to the two people with knowledge of the investigation into the attack who spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity to discuss the ongoing probe…
The AP described Pelosi’s injuries as “bruising, severe swelling and other injuries.”
A statement by Nancy Pelosi’s office claimed Paul Pelosi “is expected to make a full recovery.”
The San Francisco Police released a statement on the attack, “On 10/28/22, at 2:27 am, SFPD responded to the 2600 block of Broadway for a home break-in. During the incident an 82 y/o male was attacked. The suspect was taken into custody. The victim was transported to a local hospital. SFPD Chief Scott will address the media at police HQ.”
A press conference is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. PDT.
The U.S. Capitol Police released a statement on the federal involvement in the investigation:
The USCP, FBI & San Francisco Police Joint Threat Investigation
The United States Capitol Police (USCP) is assisting the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the San Francisco Police with a joint investigation into a break-in at the California home of the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
The Speaker was in Washington, D.C. with her protective detail at the time of the overnight, break-in.
During the California break-in, the Speaker’s husband was assaulted, but he is now recovering.
The San Francisco Police Department has the suspect in custody. The motivation for the attack is still under investigation.
Special Agents with the USCP’s California Field Office quickly arrived on scene, while a team of investigators from the Department’s Threat Assessment Section was simultaneously dispatched from the East Coast to assist the FBI and the San Francisco Police with a joint investigation.
The law enforcement agencies will provide more information when it can be released.