A San Francisco police officer testified on Wednesday that he witnessed a person assault the husband of US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi with a hammer contained in the couple’s dwelling.

The suspect, David DePape, allegedly broke into the Pelosis’ San Francisco dwelling on October 28, looking for to kidnap the speaker — who was not there — and as an alternative beat her 82-year-old husband, Paul Pelosi, with a hammer. The violence despatched shockwaves by way of the political world.

DePape, carrying an orange jumpsuit throughout a preliminary listening to in state court docket, has pleaded not responsible to federal and state expenses, together with tried homicide, housebreaking and elder abuse. He stays in custody with out bail.

Sergeant Carla Hurley, who interviewed DePape for an hour the day of the assault, mentioned the defendant advised her that he was looking for the speaker and advised her husband that he was not a part of the plan.

Still, DePape advised Paul Pelosi, “I can take you out, I can take you out,” Sgt Hurley testified.

Sgt Hurley mentioned DePape advised her that after he noticed the lights of a police patrol automotive, he advised Paul Pelosi, “I’m not going to surrender, I am here to fight. If you stop me from going after people, you will take the punishment instead.”

Prosecutors introduced the hammer that was allegedly used within the assault throughout Wednesday’s proceedings, which had been attended by Christine Pelosi, one of many Pelosis’ 5 grownup kids.

In November, Nancy Pelosi mentioned she’s going to step down because the Democrats’ chief after 20 years because the celebration’s head.

Paul Pelosi, her husband of practically 60 years, drew a standing ovation earlier this month when the couple attended the Kennedy Centre Honours — his first public look for the reason that assault.

Christine Pelosi, a Democratic operative and lawyer, is taken into account to be a possible successor when the speaker retires, although she has by no means held elected workplace.

DePape advised police he was on a “suicide mission” and had plans to focus on different California and federal politicians, court docket paperwork say. Authorities have mentioned he was drawn to conspiracy theories.

DePape allegedly smashed his manner into the Pelosis’ dwelling, confronted Paul Pelosi, who was sleeping in boxer shorts and a pyjama prime, and demanded to know the place “Nancy” was.

DePape allegedly then advised Paul Pelosi that if Nancy Pelosi advised him the “‘truth’, he would let her go and if she ‘lied,’ he was going to break her kneecaps”, the felony criticism alleges.

Paul Pelosi was finally capable of name 911 to summon San Francisco police. Officers arrived two minutes later to see the 2 males struggling over a hammer, after which DePape struck Pelosi a minimum of as soon as earlier than being tackled by officers.

Paul Pelosi was knocked unconscious by the hammer assault. He later underwent surgical procedure to restore a cranium fracture and severe accidents to his proper arm and palms.

Speaker Pelosi was in Washington on the time and below the safety of her safety element, which doesn’t prolong to members of the family. Threats in opposition to politicians and elections officers have been at all-time highs for the reason that January 6, 2021, revolt on the Capitol, and authorities have issued warnings about rising extremism within the US.