Early this morning, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband, Paul Pelosi, was assaulted during a home invasion at the couple’s San Francisco residence. The news of this shocking attack was issued in a press release by the Speaker’s spokesperson, Drew Hammill.
The statement released some information regarding Mr. Pelosi’s condition, the status of the assailant’s whereabouts, as well as how the family would like the issue to be handled. According to the statement, “The assailant is in custody, and the motivation for the attack is under investigation. Mr. Pelosi was taken to the hospital, where he is receiving excellent care and is expected to make a full recovery.”
The attack occurred on an interesting day as well, as today marks the 13th anniversary of the signing of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act. It is certainly ironic that on the anniversary of a day when the legislature was signed to prevent unlawful violence, it would occur. Speaker Pelosi has already released an additional statement regarding the anniversary of this legislature today as well in a separate press release.
Though it remains unclear whether this was at all related to the motives behind the attack, as the criminal is still under investigation, the investigation was actually updated to the status of a joint investigation by the US Capitol Police, with the FBI and San Francisco Police. This is because, at the time of the assault, Pelosi’s California residence was also broken into. The combination has prompted more suspicions surrounding the case, as it suggests that it was premeditated. Thankfully, the Speaker was unharmed, as she was at neither residence when the crimes occurred, but rather in Washington.
The President has already spoken with the Speaker upon hearing the news of the assault, offering the couple and their five children his sentiments. According to WhiteHouse Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, “The President is praying for Paul Pelosi and for Speaker Pelosi’s whole family. This morning he called Speaker Pelosi to express his support after this horrible attack. He is also very glad that a full recovery is expected.” Jean-Pierre went on to use this moment as an opportunity to drive home President Biden’s stance on violence, adding. “The President continues to condemn all violence and asks that the family’s desire for privacy be respected.”
