“We are devastated and traumatized” by the brutal attack on her husband at their California home, US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said.
“Our children, our grandchildren, and I are devastated and traumatized by the life-threatening attack,” Pelosi said of the incident in a letter posted on Twitter.
“We are grateful for the quick response of law enforcement and emergency services, as well as the life-saving medical care he received,” she said in her first comment on the attack.
Paul Pelosi, 82 – who underwent surgery and is recovering in hospital – was home alone because his wife was working in Washington.
“His condition continues to improve,” Pelosi’s letter said. San Francisco police said officers found the gunman at the couple’s home just before 2:30 a.m. (09:30 a.m. GMT), where he and Paul Pelosi were fighting with a hammer.
“The suspect pulled the hammer away from Mr. Pelosi and violently attacked him with it,” San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott told reporters, who later said Paul Pelosi was struck at least once.
Police identified the gunman as 42-year-old David DePappe, and Scott said DePappe will be charged with attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, burglary, and other crimes.
“This was not a random act,” Scott said. “It was intentional and it’s wrong.” The suspect “sought to confront me and brutally attacked my husband, Paul,” Pelosi — who is second in line for the presidency — said in her Saturday letter.
