NBC News broadcast a followup on the attack on Paul Pelosi in San Francisco last week, and then quickly deleted the story from the Friday edition of the Today Show, saying it didn’t meet the news organization’s reporting standards.
NBC News national correspondent Miguel Almaguer’s report contradicts the official narrative by the District Attorney of what happened when police knocked on the door of the home of House Speaker Nancy and Paul Pelosi. According to Almaguer, when Paul Pelosi answered the door, he did not declare an emergency, but instead walked back into the house toward the man who soon attacked him.
“Sources familiar with what unfolded in the Pelosi residence now revealing when officers responded to the ‘high priority call,’ they were seemingly unaware they’ve been called to the home of the Speaker of the House. After a ‘knock and announce,’ the front door was opened by Mr. Pelosi. The 82-year-old did not immediately declare an emergency or tried to leave his home but instead began walking several feet back into the foyer toward the assailant and away from police. It’s unclear if the 82-year-old was already injured or what his mental state was, say sources,” Almaguer reported in the now-removed broadcast.
David DePape, an illegal immigrant from Canada, has confessed to breaking into the home last Friday in the early morning hours. After police arrived, DePape struck Paul Pelosi on the head with a hammer.
U.S. Capitol Police said this week they will be conducting an internal review to determine why the police who were assigned to monitor the house through security cameras did not see the break-in.
“While the Speaker was with her security detail in Washington, D.C., the San Francisco cameras were not actively monitored as they are when the Speaker is at the residence. The Command Center personnel noticed the police activity on the screen and used the feeds to monitor the response and assist investigators,” U.S. Capitol Police said.
“The Department has begun an internal security review and will be gathering input and questions from our Congressional stakeholders. We have been immensely grateful for the critical support the Congress already provided to secure the U.S. Capitol Complex after January 6, 2021. The funding was vital for us to implement dozens of immediate improvements. Now we will fast-track the work we have already been doing to enhance the protection of Members outside of Washington, D.C., while also providing new protective options that will address concerns following Friday’s targeted attack.
“Our brave men and women are working around the clock to meet this urgent mission during this divisive time. In the meantime, a significant change that will have an immediate impact will be for people across our country to lower the temperature on political rhetoric before it’s too late,” the department said.
“According to court documents, when the officer asked what was going on, defendant smiled and said ‘everything’s good’ but instantaneously a struggle ensued as police clearly saw David DePape strike Paul Pelosi in the head with a hammer. After tackling the suspect, officers rushed to Mr. Pelosi who was lying in a pool of blood,” Almaguer reported, adding, “We still don’t know exactly what unfolded between Mr. Pelosi and the suspect for the 30 minutes they were alone inside that house before police arrive. Officials who are investigating this matter would not go into further details about these new details.”
After social media users began sharing the report, NBC News removed the report from its website and from its social media accounts, and the news company posted a note on its website: “This piece has been removed from publication because it did not meet NBC News reporting standards.” It did not elaborate on what standards the story violated.
Meanwhile, Paul Pelosi was released from the hospital Thursday, after undergoing surgery for a skull fracture, and DePape has been charged with attempted homicide, assault with a deadly weapon, and other crimes.
Read: Pelosi husband emerges from surgery after hammer attack at San Francisco mansion
