Iran Press/ America: The assault of Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband, Paul, inside their San Francisco home early Friday morning by an intruder who shouted, “Where is Nancy?” and bludgeoned him with a hammer before being taken into custody by police seemed to confirm their worst fears, vividly bringing to life the acute danger facing elected officials amid a rise in violent political speech.
It revealed the vulnerabilities in security around members of Congress and their families — even for a lawmaker as powerful and wealthy as Ms. Pelosi, who is second in line to the presidency and has her own security detail — as midterm congressional campaigns reach their frenzied final push.
It also highlighted how Ms. Pelosi, the first female speaker of the House of Representatives, has been increasingly demonized by Republicans. For the better part of two decades, she has starred in G.O.P. attack advertisements and fund-raising appeals that portray her as a partisan villain. More recently, she has figured prominently in right-wing conspiracy theories about Democratic misdeeds, including QAnon.
Nearly two years ago, supporters of former President Donald J. Trump invaded the Capitol on Jan. 6, inspired by his claim of a stolen election, sending members of Congress and the vice president fleeing for their lives.
The attack on Mr. Pelosi will likely prompt new discussions among lawmakers about how to protect themselves and their families, especially those facing competitive re-election races who will be expected to heavily campaign in the last two weeks before the midterms.
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