The frequent targeting of U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi by online extremists and political opponents likely contributed to the violent attack on her husband Paul, terrorism and extremism experts said.
The intruder at the Pelosis' home yelled "Where's Nancy?" before assaulting Paul Pelosi with a hammer, according to a person briefed on the incident. An internet user with the same name as the man arrested at the scene, David Depape, expressed support for former U.S. President Donald Trump and embraced the cult-like conspiracy theory QAnon in online posts that referenced "satanic pedophilia."
Police have yet to comment on a motive in the attack.