The Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, says she and her family were “heartbroken and traumatised” by the violent attack on her husband, Paul, at their home in California.

An intruder had broken into the couple’s house in San Francisco on Friday morning and attacked the Speaker’s husband with a hammer, fracturing his skull.

Speaking via a letter posted on her Twitter account on Saturday evening, Pelosi said: “Our children, our grandchildren, and I are heartbroken and traumatised by the life-threatening attack on our Pop.

“We are grateful for the quick response of law enforcement and emergency services, and for the life-saving medical care he is receiving.”

Paul Pelosi, aged 82, who underwent surgery and is recovering in hospital, was at home alone, as his wife was working in Washington.

“His condition continues to improve,” Nancy Pelosi, who is second in line to the U.S. Presidency, added in the letter.

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She further stated that the suspect “demanded to confront me and brutally attacked my husband Paul”.

San Francisco police said officers found the assailant at the couple’s home just before 2:30 am, where he and Paul Pelosi were scuffling over a hammer.

“The suspect pulled the hammer away from Mr. Pelosi and violently assaulted him with it,” San Francisco police chief, Bill Scott, told reporters, saying Paul Pelosi was later hit at least once.

Police identified the assailant as 42-year-old David Depape, with Scott saying Depape would be charged with attempted homicide, assault with a deadly weapon, burglary, and other felonies.

“This was not a random act. This was intentional, and it is wrong,” Scott added.

US media, citing family sources, said the intruder told Paul Pelosi he was going to tie him up and wait for the speaker to get home.

Local media had earlier reported that the intruder shouted “Where’s Nancy?” during the assault, which came less than two weeks ahead of the midterm elections.

The Star