Suspect in attack on US House Speaker's husband pleads not guilty to charges

By Rabia Iclal Turan

WASHINGTON (AA) - A suspect accused of attacking the husband of US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi pleaded not guilty of state charges in a court hearing in California on Wednesday, according to reports.

David DePape, who is accused of attacking Paul Pelosi with a hammer at the couple's San Francisco residence, said in court that he was waiving his right to a speedy trial, CNN reported.

This was his second not guilty plea after his first appearance in court early November.

DePape will appear in court in San Francisco again on Feb. 23, following which the judge is expected to set a trial date.

He is charged with attempted murder, assault, elder abuse, threatening the family member of a public official​​​​​​​ and first degree burglary.

Paul Pelosi, 82, was admitted to a hospital shortly after the violent attack to “repair a skull fracture and serious injuries to his right arm and hands,” according to Nancy Pelosi's spokesperson.