House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) broke her silence on the violent attack on her husband Paul Pelosi this week, saying in a letter to members of Congress that she was “heartbroken” over the incident.
Paul Pelosi was hospitalized early Friday morning after an assailant broke into their San Francisco home and beat the 82-year-old businessman with a hammer while looking for the lawmaker, reports said.
Suspect David DePape, 42, had broken into the home in the wee hours of Friday morning, demanding to see the powerful lawmaker, who was out of town, according to police. Paul Pelosi, 82, told the intruder he had to use the bathroom, where he made an emergency call to 911, speaking in “code” to a quick-thinking dispatcher.
When police arrived at the power couple’s posh Pacific Heights town home, they witnessed the two men struggling for control of a hammer, which the suspect grabbed and used to beat his victim over the head and body. Paul Pelosi underwent surgery Friday for a fractured skull and other injuries, but is expected to recover.
“Yesterday morning, a violent man broke into our family home, 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,” Nancy Pelosi said in a letter to all members of Congress on Saturday.
“Please know that the outpouring of prayers and warm wishes from so many in the Congress is a comfort to our family and is helping Paul make progress with his recovery. His condition continues to improve,” Pelosi wrote. “We are also comforted by the words of the Book of Isaiah: ‘Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.’”
“We thank you and pray for the continued safety and well-being of your family,” she added.
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