The man who clubbed U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi¡¯s husband in the head with hammer, shouting ¡°Where is Nancy?¡± after forcing his way into the couple¡¯s San Francisco home, faced charges of attempted murder and other felonies a day later.

Police initially declined to offer a motive for Friday¡¯s assault on Paul Pelosi, 82, who according to his wife¡¯s office underwent surgery for a skull fracture and injuries to his right arm and hands, though doctors expect a full recovery.

But the incident stoked fears about political violence less than two weeks ahead of midterm elections on Nov. 8 that will decide control of the House of Representatives and Senate, coming amid the most vitriolic and polarized U.S. political climate in decades.