News - Middle East: US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has said that her family was “heartbroken and traumatized” after her husband, Paul Pelosi, was attacked and severely beaten by an assailant with a hammer at their residence in San Francisco on Friday.

“Sadly, a violent man broke into our family home yesterday morning, demanded to confront me and brutally attacked my husband Paul,” the Speaker said in a statement on said Saturday night.

“Our children, our grandchildren and I are heartbroken and traumatized by the life-threatening attack on our Pop,” she added. “We are grateful for the quick response of law enforcement and emergency services and for the life-saving medical care he is receiving,”

Pelosi, 82, suffered blunt force trauma to his head and body, according to two people with knowledge of the investigation into the attack who spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity to discuss the ongoing probe.

An internet user with the same name as the suspect arrested at the scene, David Depape, voiced support for former President Donald Trump. Democrats have also claimed that the suspect is a supporter of Trump.

Terrorism and extremism experts believe the violent attack could be an example of the growing threat of so-called stochastic terrorism, in which occasionally individuals are inspired to violence by hate speech and scenarios they see online and hear preached by public figures.
Paul Pelosi underwent surgery for a skull fracture and other injuries.

“Please know that your prayers and warm wishes are a comfort to our family and helping Paul make progress with his recovery,” she said in the statement. “His condition continues to improve.”

Both far-right and far-left-leaning political websites and figures have been demonizing online and in public Pelosi for some time. Graphics depicting her being beheaded, and a call to send immigrants to her home, with her address, circulated online this summer, according to Site Intelligence Group, which researches online extremism.