US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has said she has been left “heartbroken and traumatised” after her husband was attacked at the family home.
Paul Pelosi, 82, is recovering from a skull fracture after being clubbed by an intruder at their San Francisco home.
Speaking for the first time since the attack, Mrs Pelosi revealed that her husband’s condition is continuing to improve.
She said: “Sadly, a violent man broke into our family home yesterday morning, demanded to confront me and brutally attacked my husband Paul.
“Our children, our grandchildren and I are heartbroken and traumatized by the life-threatening attack on our Pop. We are grateful for the quick response of law enforcement and emergency services and for the life-saving medical care he is receiving.”
The assailant is believed to have yelled “Where’s Nancy?” during the attack.
Police identified the man arrested at the scene as David Depape, 42, of Berkeley, California.
Records show he was booked into custody on suspicion of attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, elder abuse, battery, burglary, and several other felonies.
Formal charges are expected to be filed by the San Francisco district attorney’s office.
San Francisco Police Chief William Scott told a news briefing that police detectives, assisted by FBI agents, had yet to determine what precipitated the home invasion but said: “We know this was not a random act.”
Scott said the intruder forced his way into the Pelosi’s three-story red brick townhouse through a rear door and police arriving at the scene caught a glimpse of Depape and Pelosi struggling over a hammer.
