Washington, D.C. — Today, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s (D-CA) husband was attacked by an assailant with a reported history of posting far-right conspiracy theories about the election and the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. Police reports indicate that the assailant was trying to target the House speaker. In response, Patrick Gaspard, president and CEO of the Center for American Progress, issued the following statement:
The horrific attack on Paul Pelosi is another wake-up call to Americans that the far-right conspiracy theories and hate speech fueled by MAGA extremists are putting lives at risk. The widespread embrace of lies about the election by right-wing politicians and media is clearly inciting this violence. The consequences threaten the fabric of our democracy. We’ve already seen it during the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, and we are seeing it in the days leading up to the election as vigilantes try to intimidate voters. It’s time for every elected official—regardless of party—to condemn any form of political violence, especially as we head into the November elections. And Congress should convene a special committee to address the explosion of political violence in America that will inevitably have tragic outcomes if the lack of leadership accountability continues. We wish Paul Pelosi a speedy recovery and send out prayers to him, Speaker Pelosi, and their entire family.
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