Judge Releases Bodycam Footage of October 2022 Attack on Paul Pelosi, Sparking Debate Over Use of Police Body Cameras

A San Francisco judge has released police bodycam footage of the October 2022 attack on then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband, Paul Pelosi. The video, obtained by NBC News affiliate KNTV, shows police approaching the Pelosi residence and then the door being opened with Pelosi standing next to the suspect in the case, David DePape.

The footage was released after San Francisco Superior Court Judge Stephen M. Murphy ruled there was no reason to keep it secret, especially after prosecutors played it in open court during a preliminary hearing last month. In the video, DePape and Paul Pelosi can be seen struggling over a hammer.

The officers can be heard shouting “Drop the hammer” as they enter the home. DePape was arrested and charged with attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, and elder abuse. He has pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial.

Paul Pelosi was treated for his injuries at a local hospital and has since made a full recovery. Nancy Pelosi has since released a statement expressing her gratitude for the police officers who responded to the incident and her relief that her husband is safe.

The release of the video has sparked a debate over the use of body cameras by police officers. Supporters of the technology argue that it provides an important record of police interactions with the public, while opponents argue that it can be used to unfairly target certain individuals.