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Fact check: What were the facts of the Paul Pelosi hammer attack on October 28 2022?

Checked on September 18, 2025

1. Summary of the results

The attack on Paul Pelosi occurred on October 28, 2022, when David DePape broke into the Pelosi's San Francisco home, looking for Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and struck Paul Pelosi with a hammer, causing a skull fracture and other injuries [1]. According to the sources, DePape's motive was to kidnap and interrogate Nancy Pelosi [2]. The attack was investigated by multiple agencies, leading to federal and state charges against DePape, who was subsequently sentenced to 30 years in prison on federal charges and life without parole on state charges [2] [3]. The sources consistently report that Paul Pelosi called 911, and police arrived at the scene, arresting DePape and recovering zip ties, duct tape, and a second hammer [2]. The attack has been widely reported, with various sources providing similar accounts of the events, including the BBC [3], Wikipedia [2], and PBS/Associated Press [4].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Some sources provide additional context, such as the political motivation behind the attack, with DePape allegedly wanting to break Nancy Pelosi's kneecaps [5]. Other sources note that there are false claims circulating about the attack, which have been debunked by official accounts and evidence [5]. The sources also highlight the severity of Paul Pelosi's injuries, including a skull fracture, head injuries, and nerve damage [4]. Furthermore, the sentencing of DePape has been reported, with some sources emphasizing the life sentence he received on state charges [3]. It is essential to consider the variety of sources and their accounts to gain a comprehensive understanding of the attack and its aftermath. The FBI complaint and police body-camera footage have also been mentioned as crucial evidence in the case [2] [4].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement lacks specific details about the attack, such as the motive behind it and the severity of Paul Pelosi's injuries [2]. Some sources may have biased or incomplete reporting, which could lead to misinformation about the attack [5]. For instance, the BBC Monitoring article debunks false claims about the attack, highlighting the importance of relying on credible sources [5]. The Wikipedia entry provides a comprehensive account of the attack, but its neutrality and accuracy depend on the sources cited [2]. The PBS/Associated Press report focuses on the sentencing, but also restates the facts of the attack, providing a balanced view [4]. Overall, it is crucial to consult multiple sources to ensure a thorough understanding of the attack and its aftermath, and to be aware of potential biases and misinformation [6] [1].

Want to dive deeper?
What were the injuries sustained by Paul Pelosi during the hammer attack on October 28 2022?
What was the motive behind David DePape's attack on Paul Pelosi?
How did law enforcement respond to the 911 call at the Pelosi residence on October 28 2022?
What was the relationship between David DePape and the Pelosi family before the attack?
What were the charges filed against David DePape in connection with the Paul Pelosi hammer attack?