Paul Pelosi attack seen on police bodycam footage
Bodycam footage captured Paul Pelosi being attacked with a hammer by suspect David DePape on Oct. 28, 2022, at his San Francisco home after police officers arrived. (San Francisco Police Department)
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The defense attorney for the illegal immigrant accused of attacking California Rep. Nancy Pelosi's husband with a hammer in October called the release of police bodycam video of the incident "disrespectful" Friday and warned that it could jeopardize his client's right to a fair trial.
David DePape, a 42-year-old from Canada, allegedly broke into the Pelosi residence on Oct. 28, 2022, searching for the congresswoman. At the time she was speaker of the House.
Instead, DePape found her husband sleeping. Paul Pelosi managed to call 911, and when responding officers arrived, they knocked on the door and soon encountered the 82-year-old struggling over a hammer with DePape.
PAUL PELOSI VIDEO SHOWS HAMMER ATTACK AFTER POLICE ARRIVE
Screen grab from bodycam video following the alleged assault on Paul Pelosi by David DePape in San Francisco on Oct. 28, 2022. (San Francisco Police Department)
Authorities initially refused to release video and audio recordings in connection with the incident, but were ordered to do so by a judge this week.
"I think it was a terrible mistake to release this evidence, and in particular the video," San Francisco Deputy Public Defender Adam Lipson, who represents DePape, said in a statement Friday. "Releasing this footage is disrespectful to Mr. Pelosi, and serves no purpose except to feed the public desire for spectacle and violence."
David DePape, left, and Paul Pelosi are seen after police opened the door of Pelosi's home in San Francisco on Oct. 28, 2022. (San Francisco County Superior Court)
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The video shows the front door of Pelosi's home swing open to reveal the victim and DePape standing in the doorway, both of them holding a hammer. Pelosi, who was asleep at the time of the alleged burglary, is shown wearing a shirt and boxer shorts.
Police, after asking what was going on, order DePape to drop the weapon.
WATCH: Paul Pelosi attack seen on police bodycam footage
"Ummm, nope," he replies — and then the video shows him seizing control of the hammer and swinging at Pelosi.
Officers immediately ran into the home, subdued DePape and called for an ambulance.
Nancy Pelosi, with her husband Paul Pelosi, attend a Holy Mass for the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul led by Pope Francis at St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City on June 29, 2022. (Stefano Costantino/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
"The footage is inflammatory and could feed unfounded theories about this case, and we are extremely concerned about Mr. DePape’s ability to get a fair trial," Lipson said.
Police also released a police interview with DePape conducted after his arrest, in which he appears to admit to the crime.
Paul Pelosi 911 call revealed: David DePape heard on phone
"Appealing the release of this evidence is a difficult question since the damage has been done," Lipson said. "But we are evaluating our options for this case and intend to continue providing Mr. DePape the vigorous defense that he’s entitled to."
The federal affidavit alleges that DePape told investigators his plan was to "kneecap" Speaker Pelosi if he caught her lying.
Screen grab from a surveillance video showing David DePape looking at a security camera in the backyard of the Pelosi home before the alleged assault on Paul Pelosi in San Francisco on Oct. 28, 2022. (Capitol Police)
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Paul Pelosi suffered a fractured skull, among other injuries, and underwent emergency surgery.
Lipson previously said DePape's shoulder was dislocated during the incident.
DePape faces charges including attempted murder, residential burglary, assault with a deadly weapon, elder abuse, false imprisonment of an elder and threats to a public official and her family.
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