The Pelosis “are refusing to turn over surveillance video of their home.”
Get PolitiFact in your inbox.
No, the Pelosis aren’t withholding surveillance video from police
If Your Time is short
- A spokesperson for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said this isn’t true.
- Politico reported that Capitol Police monitor the security camera feed from Pelosi’s home.
David DePape has been charged with the attempted kidnapping of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and an assault on her husband, Paul, whom DePape is accused of attacking with a hammer Oct. 28.
Details about the attack are still emerging, but social media posts haven’t wasted time spreading unsourced and unfounded claims about what happened.
One Oct. 29 post said the Pelosis "are refusing to turn over surveillance video of their home fueling more speculation of homosexuality at the home."
The Instagram post was flagged as part of Facebook’s efforts to combat false news and misinformation on its News Feed. (Read more about our partnership with Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram.)
The post appears to allude to baseless allegations about the incident that drew attention after they were shared on Twitter by the social media platform’s new owner, Elon Musk. (Musk later deleted his tweet.)
Featured Fact-check
Authorities have said that DePape allegedly broke into the Pelosis’ San Francisco residence, surprising a sleeping Paul Pelosi when DePape came into the bedroom and said he wanted to "talk to Nancy."
We reached out to the San Francisco Police Department about the claim that the Pelosis are withholding home security footage and didn’t immediately receive a response.
Drew Hammill, the speaker’s spokesperson, said the claim is false.
We found no evidence to suggest otherwise.
Also, Politico reported that Capitol Police have access to the security camera feed from Pelosi’s home. The police are conducting a review of the Oct. 28 incident, including looking at their command center, "which was monitoring the security camera feed from Pelosi’s home, according to a person familiar," Politico said.
We rate claims that Pelosis are withholding security footage from authorities False.
Our Sources
Instagram post, Oct. 29, 2022
Politico, Paul Pelosi assault spurs calls on the Hill for boosted lawmaker security, Oct. 31, 2022
Criminal Complaint against David DePape, Oct. 31, 2022
Santa Monica Observer, The awful truth: Paul Pelosi was drunk again, and in a dispute with a male prostitute early Friday morning, Oct. 29, 2022
The New York Times, Elon Musk, in a tweet, shares link from site known to publish false news, Oct. 30, 2022
Email interview with Drew Hammill, spokesperson for Nancy Pelosi, Oct. 31, 2022
Browse the Truth-O-Meter
More by Ciara O'Rourke
No, the Pelosis aren’t withholding surveillance video from police
Support independent fact-checking.
Become a member!
In a world of wild talk and fake news, help us stand up for the facts.