Man Convicted of Attacking Nancy Pelosi's Husband to be Sentenced
David DePape, 44, who was convicted of attempting to kidnap then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and attacking her husband, Paul Pelosi, with a hammer, is scheduled to be sentenced in federal court this Friday. DePape was found guilty of attempted kidnapping of a federal official and assault on an immediate family member of a federal official by a jury in November.
The incident occurred on October 28, 2022, when DePape broke into the Pelosi residence in San Francisco with the intention of taking Nancy Pelosi hostage. After learning she was not home, DePape attacked Paul Pelosi, aged 82, with a hammer. This attack was recorded on police body cameras days before the midterm elections.
Prosecutors have recommended a 40-year prison sentence, while defense attorneys argued that DePape's actions were politically motivated and not an attempt to disrupt Nancy Pelosi’s official duties. DePape's defense highlighted his involvement in conspiracy theories and his belief that news outlets were lying about former President Donald Trump.
DePape, a Canadian national who has lived in the U.S. for over 20 years, testified about his plans, which included wearing a unicorn costume and recording an interrogation of Nancy Pelosi. He was found to possess rope, zip ties, body cameras, a computer, and a tablet.
Paul Pelosi testified at the trial about his experience during the attack, detailing the injuries he sustained, including a skull fracture and injuries to his right arm and hand.
David DePape also faces state charges including assault with a deadly weapon, elder abuse, and residential burglary, with jury selection for that trial starting May 22.