Officials: suspect told investigators he planned to break House Speaker’s ‘kneecaps’
An illegal immigrant from Canada accused of attacking U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband Paul has been charged.
On Monday, the U.S. Justice Department charged David DePape with assault and attempted kidnapping.
The 42-year-old is accused of breaking into the Pelosi residence early on Friday and assaulting 82-year-old Paul Pelosi.
According to court documents, DePape attacked Paul with a hammer, and allegedly wanted to hold the congresswoman hostage.
The documents also allege that DePape threatened to break “her kneecaps” if he caught her lying.
San Francisco police arrived at the Pelosi home and encountered Paul and DePape struggling over the hammer.
When officers ordered the pair to drop the weapon—DePape allegedly took control of it and slammed it into Pelosi’s skull.
Pelosi’s office said Paul underwent surgery for a skull fracture and minor injuries, however, doctors expect a full recovery.
DePape was born in Canada and emigrated to the U.S. about 20 years ago.
According to reports, an Immigrations and Customers Enforcement official told a media outlet that DePape is in the U.S. illegally following an extended visa overstay.
With the all-important midterm election next week which will decide control of the House of Representatives and Senate—many are on high alert.
U.S. Justice Department said the two counts that DePape faces carries up to 50 years in prison.
