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Paul Pelosi attack video: Watch the disturbing newly released footage

A still from policy body cam footage showing David Depape and Paul Pelosi struggle over a hammer in the threshold of a home.
A still from police footage shows David DePape and Paul Pelosi struggling over a hammer. | Courtesy San Francisco Superior Court | Source: Courtesy San Francisco Superior Court

WARNING: The content of the video is disturbing, and viewer discretion is strongly advised.

New footage shows the moment David DePape appears to attack Nancy Pelosi's husband, Paul Pelosi, at their San Francisco home.

The police video of the October 2022 attack on Paul Pelosi—husband of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi—has been released by a San Francisco Superior Court judge Friday.

The footage makes for frightening viewing as police officers arrive to the door of the Pelosi home in Pacific Heights.

Officers can be heard saying “drop the hammer” before the suspect in the attack, David DePape, takes a swing at Pelosi. Police then rush into home and detain DePape.

The Standard obtained the recording from court for a $25 fee after a successful motion was filed by a coalition of news organizations, including the Associated Press, The Los Angeles Times and The New York Times, who sought access to San Francisco police body camera footage and other evidence in the case.

The footage has previously been presented at a court hearing, among other evidence and testimony that included audio of Mr. Pelosi’s 911 call, a police interview with DePape and eyewitness testimony.

DePape faces a battery of state and federal charges including attempted murder, elder abuse and attempted kidnapping of a federal officer stemming from the Oct. 28 attack on Mr. Pelosi.

As a result of the attack, Pelosi’s skull was fractured, and he sustained other injuries. Depape told authorities he was on a mission to kidnap Nancy Pelosi and “break her kneecaps,” according to prosecutors.

Joe Burn can be reached at jburn@sfstandard.com
Garrett Leahy can be reached at garrett@sfstandard.com