The man accused of attacking US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's husband in the couple's San Francisco home planned on breaking the top Democrat's knees and confining her to a wheelchair, authorities said on Monday.
They announced federal charges against the suspect, David DePape, who was arrested at the scene of last Friday’s violent break-in at the Pelosis’ home.
Mr DePape is accused of battering Paul Pelosi, 82, with a hammer after breaking into the house. Ms Pelosi was in Washington at the time.
Mr DePape told local police that he went to the residence with the intent of holding Ms Pelosi hostage and talking to her, according to an FBI criminal complaint released on Monday.
"If Nancy were to tell DePape the 'truth,' he would let her go, and if she 'lied,' he was going to break 'her kneecaps'," the complaint states.
"DePape articulated he viewed Nancy as the 'leader of the pack' of lies told by the Democratic Party.
"DePape also later explained that by breaking Nancy's kneecaps, she would then have to be wheeled into Congress, which would show other members of Congress there were consequences to actions."
The US Justice Department charged Mr DePape, 42, with assaulting a family member of a US official, with the intent to retaliate against the official for doing their duties, an agency statement reads.
The charge carries a maximum prison sentence of 30 years.
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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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 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 -
The Pelosis in 2019. AP -
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 -
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 -
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
Mr DePape is also charged with a count of attempted kidnapping of a US official, which carries a maximum prison sentence of 20 years, and San Francisco prosecutors announced more charges later on Monday.
The city's district attorney charged him with attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon, and he is expected to be arraigned on Tuesday.
During the attack on Mr Pelosi — which was seen in part by responding police officers — Mr DePape allegedly struck the victim with a hammer while in a scuffle with Mr Pelosi, leaving him in need of skull surgery.
"DePape stated that he broke into the house through a glass door, which was a difficult task that required the use of a hammer," the FBI complaint reads.
"DePape stated that Pelosi was in bed and appeared surprised by DePape. DePape told Pelosi to wake up. DePape told Pelosi that he was looking for Nancy."
The FBI complaint also states that he went to the residence with tape, rope, a hammer and zip-ties.
Ms Pelosi on Saturday said in a letter to her Congressional colleagues: "A violent man broke into our family home, demanded to confront me and brutally attacked my husband Paul.
"Our children, our grandchildren and I are heartbroken and traumatised by the life-threatening attack on our Pop."
