US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and husband Paul at the 45th Kennedy Centre Honours in Washington on December 4. AFP
US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and husband Paul at the 45th Kennedy Centre Honours in Washington on December 4. AFP
US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and husband Paul at the 45th Kennedy Centre Honours in Washington on December 4. AFP
US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and husband Paul at the 45th Kennedy Centre Honours in Washington on December 4. AFP

World

US

Accused Pelosi attacker pleads not guilty in California court

Police say David DePape broke into Pelosi residence in San Francisco to take House Speaker hostage

The National

December 28, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

The Canadian man accused of breaking into the San Francisco home of US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi and pounding her husband with a hammer pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to state criminal charges.

David DePape is charged with attempted murder, first-degree residential burglary, elder abuse, assault with a deadly weapon, false imprisonment and threatening a family member of a public official.

Mr DePape denied all of the charges and waived his right to a quick trial, San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins said.

His next court date is scheduled for February 23, 2023.

A San Francisco police officer testified earlier in December that he saw the October attack.

Prosecutors say the suspect, demanding to see Ms Pelosi, a Democrat, broke into her home and attacked her husband.

The assault stoked fears about political violence in the US in the run-up to November's midterm elections.

David DePape appears at the US District Court in San Francisco, California, on November 15. Reuters
David DePape appears at the US District Court in San Francisco, California, on November 15. Reuters

Lt Carla Hurley, who interviewed Mr DePape for an hour on the day of the attack, said the defendant told her of other people he wanted to go after, including California Governor Gavin Newsom, actor Tom Hanks and Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden.

Mr DePape, a long-time Bay Area resident, had been active on social media, railing against the government and technology companies, and spreading far-right conspiracy theories.

“There is evil in Washington. What they did went so far beyond the campaign,” Mr DePape told Lt Hurley, according to a recording of their interview heard in court.

Police say Mr DePape broke into the Pelosi home early on October 28, aiming to take the House Speaker hostage, but she was in Washington at the time.

Mr DePape allegedly attacked her husband instead after a verbal confrontation.

After the attack, Paul Pelosi was in intensive care and had surgery for a skull fracture and injuries to his right arm and hands. He was released from hospital in early November.

Paul Pelosi attack highlights growing risk of US political violence - in pictures

Paul Pelosi, the husband of US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, was violently assaulted by a hammer-wielding attacker in the couple's San Francisco home. Reuters
Paul Pelosi, the husband of US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, was violently assaulted by a hammer-wielding attacker in the couple's San Francisco home. Reuters
San Francisco police officers and FBI agents gather in front of the Pelosi home after the attack. Getty Images / AFP
San Francisco police officers and FBI agents gather in front of the Pelosi home after the attack. Getty Images / AFP
Suspected attacker David Depape in 2013. AP
Suspected attacker David Depape in 2013. AP
The Associated Press reported that the assailant had been searching for Ms Pelosi when he entered her residence, shouting: 'Where is Nancy, where is Nancy?' Getty Images / AFP
The Associated Press reported that the assailant had been searching for Ms Pelosi when he entered her residence, shouting: 'Where is Nancy, where is Nancy?' Getty Images / AFP
A police officer rolls out yellow tape near the Pelosi residence. The attack on Mr Pelosi comes before the US midterms and is the latest violence against a political figure. AP
A police officer rolls out yellow tape near the Pelosi residence. The attack on Mr Pelosi comes before the US midterms and is the latest violence against a political figure. AP
Police tape is seen in front of the Pelosi home. Getty Images / AFP
Police tape is seen in front of the Pelosi home. Getty Images / AFP
A screengrab taken from video shows damage to the Pelosi home. Reuters
A screengrab taken from video shows damage to the Pelosi home. Reuters
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has previously said she uses campaign funds to pay for additional security due to concerns for her safety. Getty Images / AFP
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has previously said she uses campaign funds to pay for additional security due to concerns for her safety. Getty Images / AFP
In July, she faulted the police response after she was harassed by a right-wing agitator who recorded a video of himself making vulgar comments about her as she entered the US Capitol. EPA
In July, she faulted the police response after she was harassed by a right-wing agitator who recorded a video of himself making vulgar comments about her as she entered the US Capitol. EPA
Steve Scalise, a congressman, was shot at a baseball practice in 2017. Getty Images / AFP
Steve Scalise, a congressman, was shot at a baseball practice in 2017. Getty Images / AFP
A man was arrested outside the home of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh and charged with attempted murder in June. AP
A man was arrested outside the home of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh and charged with attempted murder in June. AP
Police outside Mr Kavanaugh's home after the Supreme Court ended the federal right to abortion. Reuters
Police outside Mr Kavanaugh's home after the Supreme Court ended the federal right to abortion. Reuters
Police guard Mr Kavanaugh's home in Maryland. Getty Images / AFP
Police guard Mr Kavanaugh's home in Maryland. Getty Images / AFP
Nancy and Paul Pelosi arrive for the Time 100 Gala at Lincoln Centre in New York. AFP
Nancy and Paul Pelosi arrive for the Time 100 Gala at Lincoln Centre in New York. AFP
The Pelosis in 2019. AP
The Pelosis in 2019. AP
Pope Francis meets the Pelosis at the Vatican in June 2022. AFP
Pope Francis meets the Pelosis at the Vatican in June 2022. AFP
America has long grappled with political violence. President John F Kennedy was assassinated in 1963. AP
America has long grappled with political violence. President John F Kennedy was assassinated in 1963. AP
Robert F Kennedy, JFK's brother, was assassinated in Los Angeles in 1968. AP
Robert F Kennedy, JFK's brother, was assassinated in Los Angeles in 1968. AP
Police and Secret Service agents react during the assassination attempt on then US president Ronald Reagan in 1981. AFP
Police and Secret Service agents react during the assassination attempt on then US president Ronald Reagan in 1981. AFP
Mr Reagan is shoved into the president's limousine after being shot outside a Washington hotel. AP
Mr Reagan is shoved into the president's limousine after being shot outside a Washington hotel. AP
Reagan was hit by one of six shots fired by John Hinckley (not pictured). AP
Reagan was hit by one of six shots fired by John Hinckley (not pictured). AP

Reuters contributed to this report

The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

Read part one: how cars came to the UAE

Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Squid Game season two

Director: Hwang Dong-hyuk 

Stars:  Lee Jung-jae, Wi Ha-joon and Lee Byung-hun

Rating: 4.5/5

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Specs

Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric

Range: Up to 610km

Power: 905hp

Torque: 985Nm

Price: From Dh439,000

Available: Now

Labour dispute

The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.


- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law 

Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
  • Priority access to new homes from participating developers
  • Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
  • Flexible payment plans from developers
  • Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
  • DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs

Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12

Power: 819hp

Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm

Price: From Dh1,700,000

Available: Now

What can you do?

Document everything immediately; including dates, times, locations and witnesses

Seek professional advice from a legal expert

You can report an incident to HR or an immediate supervisor

You can use the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s dedicated hotline

In criminal cases, you can contact the police for additional support

Scores in brief:

Boost Defenders 205-5 in 20 overs
(Colin Ingram 84 not out, Cameron Delport 36, William Somerville 2-28)
bt Auckland Aces 170 for 5 in 20 overs
(Rob O’Donnell 67 not out, Kyle Abbott 3-21).

Killing of Qassem Suleimani
War 2

Director: Ayan Mukerji

Stars: Hrithik Roshan, NTR, Kiara Advani, Ashutosh Rana

Rating: 2/5

The specs

AT4 Ultimate, as tested

Engine: 6.2-litre V8

Power: 420hp

Torque: 623Nm

Transmission: 10-speed automatic

Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)

On sale: Now

While you're here
JOKE'S%20ON%20YOU
%3Cp%3EGoogle%20wasn't%20new%20to%20busting%20out%20April%20Fool's%20jokes%3A%20before%20the%20Gmail%20%22prank%22%2C%20it%20tricked%20users%20with%20%3Ca%20href%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Farchive.google%2Fmentalplex%2F%22%20target%3D%22_blank%22%3Emind-reading%20MentalPlex%20responses%3C%2Fa%3E%20and%20said%3Ca%20href%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Farchive.google%2Fpigeonrank%2F%22%20target%3D%22_blank%22%3E%20well-fed%20pigeons%20were%20running%20its%20search%20engine%20operations%3C%2Fa%3E%20.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EIn%20subsequent%20years%2C%20they%20announced%20home%20internet%20services%20through%20your%20toilet%20with%20its%20%22%3Ca%20href%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Farchive.google%2Ftisp%2Finstall.html%22%20target%3D%22_blank%22%3Epatented%20GFlush%20system%3C%2Fa%3E%22%2C%20made%20us%20believe%20the%20Moon's%20surface%20was%20made%20of%20cheese%20and%20unveiled%20a%20dating%20service%20in%20which%20they%20called%20founders%20Sergey%20Brin%20and%20Larry%20Page%20%22%3Ca%20href%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Farchive.google%2Fromance%2Fpress.html%22%20target%3D%22_blank%22%3EStanford%20PhD%20wannabes%3C%2Fa%3E%20%22.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EBut%20Gmail%20was%20all%20too%20real%2C%20purportedly%20inspired%20by%20one%20%E2%80%93%20a%20single%20%E2%80%93%20Google%20user%20complaining%20about%20the%20%22poor%20quality%20of%20existing%20email%20services%22%20and%20born%20%22%3Ca%20href%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Fgooglepress.blogspot.com%2F2004%2F04%2Fgoogle-gets-message-launches-gmail.html%22%20target%3D%22_blank%22%3Emillions%20of%20M%26amp%3BMs%20later%3C%2Fa%3E%22.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
On Women's Day
HIJRA

Starring: Lamar Faden, Khairiah Nathmy, Nawaf Al-Dhufairy

Director: Shahad Ameen

Rating: 3/5

Electric scooters: some rules to remember
  • Riders must be 14-years-old or over
  • Wear a protective helmet
  • Park the electric scooter in designated parking lots (if any)
  • Do not leave electric scooter in locations that obstruct traffic or pedestrians
  • Solo riders only, no passengers allowed
  • Do not drive outside designated lanes

'Avengers: Infinity War'
Dir: The Russo Brothers
Starring: Chris Evans, Chris Pratt, Tom Holland, Robert Downey Junior, Scarlett Johansson, Elizabeth Olsen
Four stars

ASSASSIN'S%20CREED%20MIRAGE
%3Cp%3E%0DDeveloper%3A%20Ubisoft%20Bordeaux%0D%3Cbr%3EPublisher%3A%20Ubisoft%0D%3Cbr%3EConsoles%3A%20PlayStation%204%26amp%3B5%2C%20PC%20and%20Xbox%20Series%20S%26amp%3BX%0D%3Cbr%3ERating%3A%203.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs
Engine: 2.4-litre 4-cylinder

Transmission: CVT auto

Power: 181bhp

Torque: 244Nm

Price: Dh122,900 

Updated: December 29, 2022, 12:25 PM`
California