In the early hours of October 28, 2022, a violent home invasion unfolded at the San Francisco residence of Paul Pelosi, husband of then-Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. The incident, which began around 2:23 a.m. PDT, involved an intruder, David DePape, who broke into the home with the clear intention of targeting Nancy Pelosi. This event led to Paul Pelosi sustaining severe injuries, including a skull fracture, and prompted a swift response from
law enforcement and emergency services. The detailed sequence of events, from the intruder's entry to the police intervention, paints a vivid picture of the harrowing experience.
The Intruder's Entry and Initial Confrontation
David DePape gained entry to the Pelosi residence by breaking glass panel doors at the back of the house. Police body camera footage later confirmed the broken glass on the floor. At the time of the break-in, Paul Pelosi was asleep in the third-floor bedroom. The intruder woke Pelosi and immediately demanded to speak with "Nancy." When Pelosi informed him that she was not home, DePape stated he would wait. This initial confrontation set the stage for the tense moments that followed, as Pelosi, aware of the danger, sought a way to alert authorities.
Seeking assistance, Pelosi told DePape that he needed to use the bathroom. This provided him with an opportunity to make a discreet 911 call from his cell phone at 2:23 a.m. PDT. Pelosi left the line open, making statements such as, "What's going on? Why are you here? What are you going to do to me?" These remarks were crucial, as they prompted the 911 dispatcher to send police for a welfare check, an action later credited with saving Pelosi's life. The dispatcher's quick assessment of the situation ensured that help was on its way, even as the confrontation continued inside the home.
Police Arrival and the Violent Assault
Officers from the San Francisco Police Department arrived at the Pelosi residence promptly, knocking on the door at 2:31 a.m. Paul Pelosi rushed to the door and opened it. From outside the house, the police observed DePape and Pelosi struggling over a hammer in the entryway. The officers immediately ordered both men to drop the weapon. However, DePape disregarded the command, seized the hammer, and violently attacked the 82-year-old Pelosi with a single blow. This sudden act of violence occurred directly in front of the responding officers.
Following the assault, police immediately tackled and arrested DePape. The swift intervention prevented further harm to Pelosi and secured the scene. After arresting the intruder, police conducted a search of his backpack, discovering multiple zip ties, duct tape, white rope, a second hammer, and both rubber and cloth gloves. Investigators later revealed that DePape also possessed a list of additional potential targets, indicating a broader, premeditated plan beyond the Pelosi residence.
Aftermath and Immediate Response
Following the attack, Paul Pelosi underwent surgery at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital to treat a skull fracture. He also received treatment for severe injuries to his hands and right arm. Pelosi was discharged from the hospital on November 3, several days after the incident. DePape, the assailant, was also treated at the same hospital for minor injuries before being discharged to the San Francisco County Jail.
Nancy Pelosi was in Washington D.C. at the time of the attack. Upon learning of the incident, she immediately returned to San Francisco on a government plane and was escorted by a motorcade to the hospital where her husband was being treated. The day after the attack, she addressed members of the House of Representatives in a "Dear Colleague" letter, expressing that her extended family was "heartbroken and traumatized by the attack." She also extended her gratitude to law enforcement, emergency services, and hospital staff for their assistance in caring for her husband during this critical time. The incident prompted a multi-agency investigation involving the FBI, San Francisco Police Department, U.S. Capitol Police, federal prosecutors, and the San Francisco District Attorney's Offices.
