Nancy Pelosi Says Attack On Her Husband Will Affect Retirement Decision
On Monday, US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi stated that the recent attack on her husband by a hammer-wielding intruder in their home was extremely painful because she knew she was "the target" and will factor into her decision about whether to resign from Congress.
In her first television interview since the October 28 attack that left Speaker Paul Pelosi with skull fractures and other injuries, she told CNN that the violence was sparked by the same kind of "misrepresentation" that had inspired a mob to invade the US Capital on January 6, 2021.
Nancy Pelosi fought back the tears as she recalled being awoken by US Capitol Police in her Washington apartment on the morning her 82-year-old husband was assaulted and informed of the horrific break-in at their San Francisco residence.
The interviewee, who is also 82, remarked, "For me, the really hard part was finding out I was the intruder's intended victim. Because Paul was not the target, and he is the one who is paying the price."
When CNN's Anderson Cooper asked if she had decided whether to resign as speaker of the US House of Representatives if the Democrats lose their slim majority on Tuesday's midterm elections, Pelosi evaded the question.
But she admitted to him, "I have to say, my decision will be affected by what happened the last week or two." Cooper asked if she was talking about the assault on her husband, and the speaker confirmed that she was.
“And it will be impacted by - but - let me say this,” she added without finishing her thought, saying that she felt “blessed” by her 35 years of public service in the House.
Prosecutors allege in court papers that defendant David Wayne DePape, 42, informed police after his detention that he intended to kidnap the speaker, question her, and smash her kneecaps if she "lied."
Paul Pelosi, who had flown back to Washington the night before, claims that DePape forced his way into their home and followed him to his bedroom, where he was startled awake and asked to see the speaker.
According to court filings, real estate mogul and venture investor Paul Pelosi was clubbed over the head with a hammer by an intruder who was only stopped when Pelosi called 911.
Federal prosecutors have filed kidnapping and assault charges against DePape. He was charged with multiple crimes, including attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, burglary, elder abuse, false detention, and threatening a public officer, all of which he denied in a California state court.