US political leaders condemn an attack on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband, Paul Pelosiafter a suspect broke into their San Francisco residence Friday morning and “violently attacked” him, according to a spokesman for the House Speaker.
Sources told CBS News that the attacker confronted Paul Pelosi and yelled, “Where’s Nancy? Where’s Nancy?” San Francisco Police Chief William Scott said officers quickly responded to the scene to find the suspect, identified as David Wayne Depapp, 42, of nearby Berkeley, attacking Paul Pelosi with a hammer.
Reactions from lawmakers from across the political spectrum poured in on social media.
“I am horrified and disgusted by the reports that Paul Pelosi was assaulted at his and Speaker Pelosi’s home last night,” Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said on Twitter. “Grateful to hear that Paul is on the road to a full recovery and that law enforcement, including our stellar Capitol Police, is on the case.”
A fellow Republican senator, Ted Cruz, called the attack “horrific” and that he was praying for Pelosi’s family. “We may have political differences, but violence is always wrong and unacceptable,” he tweeted.
Congressman Steve Scalise, a Republican who himself is a survivor of political violence, also used the word “horrific” and said that “violence has no place in this country.” On June 14, 2017, Scalise was almost killed if the armed man opened fire on the congressional Republican baseball team in practice in Alexandria, Virginia.
Vice President Kamala Harris wrote that she and her husband were “shocked” by the attack and wished Paul Pelosi a speedy recovery.
White House spokeswoman Karin Jean-Pierre said President Biden “called Speaker Pelosi to express his support after this horrific attack” and that he is praying for the Pelosi family, adding that the president “continues to condemn any violence “.
“What happened to Paul Pelosi was a despicable act,” New York Senator Chuck Schumer wrote. “I spoke with Speaker Pelosi this morning and conveyed my deepest concern and best wishes to her husband and their family, and I wish him a speedy recovery.”
Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders wrote that “violence should have no place in American politics. I hope we can all come together to condemn the increasingly violent rhetoric we hear every day.”
“Reports of the brutal attack on Paul Pelosi are appalling and deeply disturbing,” Rep. Liz Cheney tweeted. “My family and I are praying for his recovery.”
Transport Secretary Pete Buttigieg wrote that “public figures must always be free from violence, harassment and intimidation. This is even more important for their families.”
“No one deserves to be attacked,” Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky wrote, adding: “Unlike Nancy Pelosi’s daughter who celebrated my attack, I condemn this attack and wish Mr. Pelosi a speedy recovery.” In 2017, Paul broke five ribs after it – his neighbor picked him up behind. The neighbor pleaded guilty to assaulting a member of Congress and was sentenced to 30 days in jail.
Many members of the House of Representatives spoke. Pramila Jayapal wrote: “My heart breaks for Speaker Pelosi and Paul Pelosi and for our entire country.”
Spokesman Jamie Raskin called the attack “shocking” and “a horrific violent attack on the Pelosi family.” “My condolences, love and best wishes to Paul Pelosi and the entire Pelosi family,” he wrote.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/nancy-pelosi-husband-paul-attacked-mitch-mcconnell-ted-cruz-bernie-sanders-politicians-respond/
