The hammer-wielding suspect who broke into the home of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and allegedly assaulted her husband Paul Pelosi has been identified as 42-year-old David DePape.
DePape was on trial on several charges, including attempted manslaughter, assault with a deadly weapon, elder abuse, burglary, among others, San Francisco Police Chief William Scott said at a news conference.
What we know about the attack: Suspect who assaulted Nancy Pelosi’s husband, facing attempted manslaughter, other charges
Here’s what we know about DePape so far.
Who is David DePape?
DePape, 42, is from Berkeley, California.
He grew up in Canada, in Powell River, British Columbia, according to CNN.
DePape had ‘strong opinions’ that differed from family members
Teresa DePape, who is married to the defendant’s stepfather who lives in Powell River, British Columbia, told USA TODAY that DePape had left the area for California about 20 years ago.
“I didn’t know David as a violent person,” she said. “But he was an aggressive speaker.”
The family had no regular contact with the suspect, but Teresa DePape said David emailed his stepfather a few years ago saying he would visit him and not follow up.
Mark DePape, a relative, said he lost touch with DePape a long time ago.
“I haven’t seen David in over 25 years. I don’t know David (anymore). He doesn’t contact family. I’m sorry to hear about this tragedy.”
Teresa DePape also said David’s “strong opinions” differed from those of some family members, including his stepfather.
“David was a good kid; he just had opinions,” Teresa DePape said. She believed that DePape was a fan of the Burning Man festival, an annual anti-culture arts gathering in the Nevada desert.
She declined to elaborate on those views.
After answering the calls from journalists, she contacted law enforcement in San Francisco. She said they confirmed DePape was in custody. Teresa DePape said the family would wait for him to contact them.
“I hope you find the truth,” she said.
DePape was a nude activist in California
While in California, DePape was known locally in Berkeley as a pro-nude activist who peeped naked against laws requiring people to dress in public, according to the Associated Press.
DePape lived with Gypsy Taub, another nude activist, and her family. The San Francisco Chronicle identified DePape in 2013 as a “hemp jewelry maker” and “father figure” to Taub’s three children.
The group DePape lived with also promoted conspiracy theories at the time, including the theory that 9/11 was “an inside job,” the Chronicle reported.
What was DePape accused of?
DePape was booked into a local jail at 1:27 p.m. PT. He has been charged with burglary, assault with a deadly weapon, threatening a family member of a government official, discouraging a witness from reporting, elder abuse, battery with serious bodily harm, damaging a wireless device and attempted murder.
No bail has been issued on any of the charges.
Motive is still under investigation
The motive for the attack is still under investigation, according to a joint statement by the US Capitol Police, the FBI and the San Francisco Police Department.
A source familiar with the case told USA TODAY that DePape yelled, “Where’s Nancy?” apparently looking for the Speaker, a question that also filled the Capitol corridors when rioters broke through the Capitol on January 6.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: David DePape identified as suspected Paul Pelosi attacker. What do we know?
