The man suspected of violently assaulting the husband of Democratic Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi at her home has been charged with attempted kidnapping and assault, the US Department of Justice announced on Monday.
The suspect had attacked Paul Pelosi with a hammer, but was actually looking for Nancy Pelosi. He is accused of having attempted to kidnap the Democratic leader, the ministry said.
David DePape entered the couple’s home in San Francisco on Friday morning, equipped in particular with rope, pairs of gloves and adhesive tape, the ministry said in a press release. So many elements which prove, according to justice, that he intended to kidnap the elected official, a charge which could earn him up to twenty years in prison.
” Traumatized “
The suspect was arrested at the scene by police, who found Nancy Pelosi’s husband unconscious. Assaulting a family member of a US official faces a prison sentence of up to 30 years, the Justice Department said.
Nancy Pelosi said she was “traumatized” on Saturday by the attack, adding that the state of health of Paul Pelosi, operated on Friday, continued to improve. The American political class was unanimous in its condemnation of the attack. President Joe Biden in particular had denounced a “despicable” act.