Pelosi attack accused pleads not guilty to federal charges

David DePape accused of attempted kidnapping of a federal official and assaulting family member of official

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

A man accused in last month’s attack on US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to charges of attempting to kidnap a federal official and assaulting a member of a federal official’s family.

David DePape, appearing in orange clothes without handcuffs, was assigned a public defender who entered the plea on his behalf during a brief court appearance.

Mr DePape, 42, of Richmond, a San Francisco suburb, was indicted last week on federal charges arising from an October 28 break-in at the Pelosis’ San Francisco home days before the midterm elections.

The attack on Paul Pelosi occurred as threats against politicians and election officials have been at all-time highs and authorities have issued warnings about rising extremism in the US.

Authorities alleged Mr DePape had hoped to find Ms Pelosi at home but found her husband instead.

Mr DePape, a fringe activist drawn to conspiracy theories, has also pleaded not guilty to state charges of attempted murder, burglary and elder abuse.

The federal charges include assault upon an immediate family member of a US official with the intent to retaliate against the official on account of the performance of their duties. This charge carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison.

A second charge states Mr DePape attempted to kidnap a US official, Ms Pelosi, on account of the performance of her duties, which could bring a maximum 20 years in prison.

Officers responding to Mr Pelosi’s 911 call found him and Mr DePape fighting over a hammer, the indictment says. An officer ordered Mr DePape to drop the hammer but he responded, “um, nope”, before swinging it forcefully at Mr Pelosi, it says.

The incident lasted about 15 seconds, it says, but left Mr Pelosi lying on the floor with blood pooling around his head. He was treated in hospital for a fractured skull.

Christine Pelosi, one of the Pelosis’ children, sat in the courtroom during Mr DePape’s appearance.

Mr DePape is being held in state custody without bail.