Charges after attack on husband of US leader Pelosi Charges after attack on husband of US leader Pelosi

Charges have been filed against the alleged perpetrator after the attack on the husband of top American politician Nancy Pelosi. The 42-year-old is accused of assaulting a relative of a US official and attempting to kidnap an official. He could face decades in prison if convicted, the Justice Department said Monday.

The man broke into the couple’s home in San Francisco on Friday evening and was looking for the speaker of the House of Representatives. The 82-year-old Democrat was not at home at the time. When police arrived, the attacker hit her husband, Paul Pelosi, who is the same age, with a hammer, seriously injuring him.

According to the indictment, police at the scene found a roll of duct tape, a length of rope, a second hammer, a pair of rubber and cloth gloves and zippers.

Attempted kidnapping of a government official is punishable under federal law in the United States with a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Attacking an immediate family member with intent to retaliate is punishable by up to 30 years in prison.

Nancy Pelosi ranks third in the US political hierarchy, after President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. The Democrat is guarded around the clock by bodyguards – so far no protection has been offered to families of members of Congress. (sda/dpa)