A federal judge sentenced David DePape to 30 years in prison on Friday for assaulting Paul Pelosi, the husband of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and attempting to kidnap Nancy Pelosi. The sentencing, handed down by U.S. District Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley, includes 20 years for attempted kidnapping of a federal official and 30 years for assaulting a family member of a federal official. DePape’s defense attorneys claimed he did not intend to hurt the Pelosis and expressed regret for the attack on Paul Pelosi, who was 82 at the time. The Pelosi family released a statement thanking those who have supported them during Mr. Pelosi’s recovery and declined to comment further due to ongoing state proceedings.
In addition to the federal charges, DePape is also facing multiple state charges such as assault with a deadly weapon, attempted murder, and elder abuse. Jury selection for the state trial is set to begin soon. In October 2022, DePape broke into the Pelosi residence in San Francisco and attacked Paul Pelosi with a hammer, causing a skull fracture and hand injuries. During his testimony in November, DePape claimed he planned to wear a unicorn costume and interrogate Nancy Pelosi about alleged plots against former President Donald Trump. Although he broke down in tears during his testimony, DePape stated that he did not intend to harm the Pelosis, but he also made threatening comments if Nancy Pelosi were to lie during his planned interrogation.
The sentencing of David DePape comes after a jury found him guilty of the assault on Paul Pelosi. DePape’s defense team argued that there was no intent to cause harm to the Pelosis and that their client expressed remorse for his actions. Angela Chuang, one of DePape’s attorneys, did not provide immediate comment on the sentencing. The Pelosi family expressed their gratitude for the support they have received during Mr. Pelosi’s recovery, indicating that they will not comment further due to ongoing legal proceedings. DePape’s actions have left a lasting impact on the Pelosi family and have raised concerns about security and protection for public officials.
The sentencing of David DePape highlights the severity of the crime committed against the Pelosi family and the attempted kidnapping of Nancy Pelosi. DePape’s actions have shocked the public and raised questions about the safety and security of public officials and their families. The upcoming state trial will further shed light on the motives behind DePape’s attack and the extent of his plans to harm the Pelosis. The case has garnered significant media attention and has stirred discussions about mental health, conspiracy theories, and the protection of political figures. As the legal proceedings continue, the focus remains on justice for the Pelosi family and ensuring that DePape is held accountable for his actions.
