• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2026 ABC News
  • News

Paul Pelosi hammer attack video released

2:18
California court releases video showing brutal attack on Paul Pelosi
San Francisco Police Dept
ByAlexandra Hutzler
January 27, 2023, 8:00 PM

Audio and video recordings from the night Paul Pelosi, the husband of Democratic Rep. Nancy Pelosi, was violently assaulted were released on Friday.

The public release comes after multiple news organizations, including ABC News, filed a court motion arguing the footage should be made available to the public after it was presented as evidence in court.

A San Francisco Superior Court judge ruled in favor of the outlets on Wednesday.

The materials released include body camera footage, the 911 call made by Paul Pelosi, Capitol Police surveillance video and the suspect's interview with the San Francisco Police Department.

The graphic body camera video shows officers arriving at the residence. When the door is opened, Paul Pelosi is seen standing next to the suspect, David DePape, and both are struggling over a hammer.

One of the officers says, "Drop the hammer."

DePape is seen gaining control of the hammer and swinging it at Paul Pelosi. The footage does not show the moment Paul Pelosi was struck. The officers then enter the home and work to restrain DePape as Paul Pelosi is seen lying on the ground.

Related Articles

MORE: Attack on Nancy Pelosi's husband was not random, police chief says

PHOTO: In this screen grab from police body cam footage released by the San Francisco Police Department, Paul Pelosi, the husband of Democratic Rep. Nancy Pelosi, is shown with his assailant, David DePape.
In this screen grab from police body cam footage released by the San Francisco Police Department, Paul Pelosi, the husband of Democratic Rep. Nancy Pelosi, is shown with his assailant, David DePape, at the Pelosi home, in San Francisco, Oct 28, 2022.
San Francisco Police Dept

Nancy Pelosi said Friday she hadn't seen the video or heard the 911 call and doesn't plan to review either.

"I have absolutely no intention of seeing the deadly assault on my husband's life," she told reporters at the Capitol.

"I won't be making any more statements about this case as it proceeds except to again thank people and inform them of Paul's progress," Pelosi added.

Paul Pelosi was hospitalized for several days after the Oct. 28 attack, which authorities described as politically motivated.

DePape faces federal charges of assault and attempted kidnapping. DePape also faces a slew of state charges, including attempted murder, residential burglary and assault with a deadly weapon.

DePape has pleaded not guilty.

Paul Pelosi underwent surgery to repair a skull fracture and serious injuries to his right arm and hands. He returned to the public eye in early December, joining his wife at the Kennedy Center Honors.

Related Articles

MORE: 911 call Paul Pelosi made on night of hammer attack played by prosecutors

PHOTO: An image from police body cam video of the night Paul Pelosi, the husband of Democratic Rep. Nancy Pelosi, was violently assaulted at their home in San Francisco, Oct 28, 2022.
An image from police body cam video of the night Paul Pelosi, the husband of Democratic Rep. Nancy Pelosi, was violently assaulted at their home in San Francisco, Oct 28, 2022. Paul Pelosi is at right, his assailant, David Depape, left.
San Francisco Police Dept

DePape is accused of breaking into Pelosi residence just before 2 a.m. on Oct. 28.

Authorities have said the assailant then went upstairs to where the 82-year-old Paul Pelosi was sleeping and woke him up, demanding to know "Where's Nancy?"

During a hearing in December, prosecutors presented new evidence -- including body camera footage and the 911 call Paul Pelosi made when he was attacked -- in their case against DePape.

"Are the Capitol police around? I got a problem. A gentleman just came into my house, waiting for my wife to come home," Paul Pelosi said on the 911 call.

According to the federal complaint, Paul Pelosi was able to call 911 after telling DePape he needed to use the bathroom. When officers arrived, they found the two men struggling over a hammer before Paul Pelosi wa the head, the complaint stated.

PHOTO: An image from police body cam video of the night Paul Pelosi, the husband of Democratic Rep. Nancy Pelosi, was violently assaulted at their home in San Francisco, Oct 28, 2022.
An image from police body cam video of the night Paul Pelosi, the husband of Democratic Rep. Nancy Pelosi, was violently assaulted at their home in San Francisco, Oct 28, 2022. Paul Pelosi is at right, his assailant, David Depape, left.
San Francisco Police Dept

Officials said they discovered zip ties on the scene along with rope, tape and other things in DePape's backpack.

DePape told investigators he was "going to hold Nancy hostage and talk to her," according to authorities. If she told the truth, he said he "would let her go, and if she 'lied,' he was going to break 'her kneecaps,'" the complaint said.

Nancy Pelosi has spoken about the "survivor's guilt" she felt after the attack and how it turned their San Fransisco home into a "crime scene."

"He's one good day after another, he's improving," Pelosi told ABC News' George Stephanopoulos on "This Week" in November. "It will take a little while. But we've been so comforted by the outpouring of so many prayers and good wishes."

Up Next in News—

Anne Hathaway pregnant with 3rd child, reveals news in Instagram video

June 19, 2026

'Grandmother of Juneteenth' Opal Lee says efforts are being made to erase Black history

June 19, 2026

Barack, Michelle Obama reflect on new presidential center, greatest White House legacy

June 18, 2026

Knicks victory parade comes with increased security, street closures in New York City

June 17, 2026

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2026 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2026 ABC News