The suspect in the attack on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband, Paul Pelosi, had a list of people he wanted to target, law enforcement sources briefed on the investigation confirmed to CBS News.
David Wayne DePape, the man accused of beating Paul Pelosi with a hammer inside his San Francisco home Friday night, may have planned to attack more people, sources said.
They have not qualified the list as a “hit list,” but authorities believe the suspect may have planned to target other people, the sources said.
DePape is expected to be arraigned Tuesday. Sources told CBS News that prosecutors are taking their time filing federal charges because DePape is in custody and no longer a threat.
Police tape blocks a street outside the home of Paul Pelosi, the husband of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, in San Francisco on October 28, 2022. Eric Risberg/AP
The suspect allegedly broke into the couple’s home around 2 a.m. Friday, yelling “Where’s Nancy?”
The suspect planned to keep Paul Pelosi tied up until the speaker arrived home, police sources told CBS News.
Police have not specified a motive, but said it was “not a random act.”
Nancy Pelosi was in Washington, DC, at the time of the attack, according to Capitol Police.
While the alleged attacker was in the home, police said, Paul Pelosi was able to dial 911 and police were dispatched to the residence.
San Francisco Police Chief William Scott said Friday that officers observed both Pelosi and the suspect holding a hammer, and then “the suspect took the hammer from Mr. Pelosi and violently assaulted him with it.”
The suspect was immediately taken into custody by police and will be charged with attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, elder abuse, burglary and several additional offenses, according to authorities.
A CBS News review of DePape’s alleged social media posts revealed conspiracy theories about Holocaust denial, pedophiles in government and claims that Democratic officials run child sex rings.
In a letter to congressional colleagues Saturday night, the House spokeswoman wrote that “her husband’s condition continues to improve.”
“Our children, our grandchildren and I are heartbroken and traumatized by the life-threatening attack on our octopus,” he wrote. “We are grateful for the quick response of law enforcement and emergency services, and for the life-saving medical care he is receiving. Please know that the outpouring of prayers and warm wishes from so many people in Congress is a comfort to our family and is helping Paul move forward with his recovery.”