Cameras at Pelosi Home Weren’t Monitored When Attack Occurred: US Capitol Police

The home of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) in San Francisco on Oct. 28, 2022. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

The U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) confirmed Nov. 2 that it monitors cameras at the home of U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.)—and that the cameras were not being monitored when a man broke in on Oct. 28 and attacked Pelosi’s husband.

The cameras are not “actively monitored” unless Nancy Pelosi is at home, the USCP said. The speaker was in Washington on Friday with her protective detail.

Personnel at the USCP’s Command Center did not notice anything was amiss at the Pelosi residence until they noticed police activity at the home.

They then “used the feeds to monitor the response and assist investigators,” the USCP said.

Authorities say David DePape, 42, broke into the San Francisco home with the intention of kidnapping Nancy Pelosi.

When he learned she wasn’t there, he attacked Paul Pelosi with a hammer, according to the San Francisco Police Department.

Paul Pelosi was able to call 911 before the attack and officers rushed to the home within minutes. Officers witnessed the attack after a person opened the door, according to charging documents. The FBI has said that person was Paul Pelosi but San Francisco officials have declined to confirm that detail, though they have said no other person, including security personnel, was in the home at the time.

Nancy Pelosi’s office has not responded to requests for comment.

USCP said it has launched an internal security review and will be gathering input and questions from members of Congress.

“We have been immensely grateful for the critical support the Congress already provided to secure the U.S. Capitol Complex after January 6, 2021. The funding was vital for us to implement dozens of immediate improvements,” the agency said. “Now we will fast-track the work we have already been doing to enhance the protection of Members outside of Washington, D.C., while also providing new protective options that will address concerns following Friday’s targeted attack.”

Some members have floated expanding USCP protection to family members of key lawmakers, and USCP Chief Tom Manger has issued a call for “more resources to provide additional layers of physical security for Members of Congress.”

“Our brave men and women are working around the clock to meet this urgent mission during this divisive time,” USCP added. “In the meantime, a significant change that will have an immediate impact will be for people across our country to lower the temperature on political rhetoric before it’s too late.”