Prosecutors are recommending a 40-year sentence for David DePape, who was found guilty of assaulting Nancy Pelosi’s husband, Paul, with a hammer in their San Francisco home in October 2022. DePape was convicted of assault on a federal official’s family member and attempted kidnapping of a federal official. The Department of Justice argued that his actions constitute a federal crime of terrorism intended to influence or affect government conduct.
DePape’s attorney conceded that her client attacked Paul Pelosi, but argued that his motivation did not align with the charges against him. DePape described his political leanings as “right of center” and claimed he was focused on Nancy Pelosi, not her husband. During the trial, Paul Pelosi recounted waking up to find a man with a hammer in his home, who asked for his wife’s whereabouts. Pelosi suffered serious injuries in the attack and underwent surgery to repair a skull fracture.
The DOJ argued that DePape’s crimes are an assault on democracy and fundamental values and should serve as a deterrent to others. The case serves as a warning against ideologically motivated violent plans, especially in a time when extremism has led to attacks on public officials. DePape’s federal sentencing date is set for May 17, and he still faces state charges in California, including attempted murder, burglary, and assault.
State charges against DePape include attempted murder, burglary, and assault, to which he has pleaded not guilty. DePape’s attorney argued during the trial that his client did not act because of Nancy Pelosi’s duties as a member of Congress but out of a moment of despair when his larger plan was thwarted. Paul Pelosi described the traumatic experience of being attacked in his own home and the difficulties he has faced in recovering from his injuries.
DePape’s federal sentencing is set for May 17, with prosecutors recommending a 40-year sentence for his crimes. The Department of Justice argued that DePape’s actions constitute a federal crime of terrorism intended to influence government conduct through intimidation or coercion. The case is seen as a moment to deter others harboring ideologically motivated violent plans, in light of the rise in extremism leading to attacks on public officials. Despite facing state charges in California, DePape has pleaded not guilty to attempted murder, burglary, and assault.
