The suspected attacker of Paul Pelosi reportedly pleaded not guilty Wednesday to the state charges charges brought against him in a court appearance, according to Fox News.
David DePape, 42, allegedly assaulted Pelosi, husband of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), with a hammer when police arrived at the San Francisco home in October. The apparent intruder was reportedly demanding to know the speaker’s whereabouts.
Prosecutors charged DePape with attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, and elder abuse, Fox News reported. However, the accused pleaded not guilty to state and federal charges, including allegations he planned to kidnap Nancy Pelosi.
Adam Lipson, DePape’s public defender, said that the suspected attacker “is going to be fighting this case in court, not the hallway,” ABC News reported.
San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins said in a statement following Wednesday’s arraignment that “Mr. DePape will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and held accountable for his heinous crimes,” according to the outlet.
The speaker’s husband suffered a skull fracture and serious injuries to his right arm. He is expected to make a full recovery, according to a spokesperson.
Two weeks ago, body camera footage played in court allegedly showed DePape striking Paul Pelosi.
San Francisco Police Sgt. Carla Hurley — who interviewed DePape after he was detained — reported that the suspect said that there was an “evil in Washington” and had a much longer hit list of people he wanted to confront after authorities caught him in the act, Fox News reported.
The list included the House Speaker, Governor Gavin Newsom (D-CA), actor Tom Hanks, and Hunter Biden, the embattled son of President Joe Biden.
Fox News reported DePape, who also waived his right to a trial within 60 days, is set to appear in court again on Feb. 23.