A federal judge will reopen the sentencing hearing for David DePape following her failure to allow him to speak during his court appearance last week. DePape was sentenced to 20 years for attempting to kidnap Nancy Pelosi and 30 years for assaulting her husband, Paul Pelosi, with a hammer. The judge acknowledged the error of not allowing DePape to speak before his sentencing and scheduled a new hearing for May 28th. Prosecutors later filed a motion requesting the court to reopen the sentencing hearing for DePape to present any information to mitigate the sentence, as required by federal rule.
DePape’s defense attorneys opposed bringing him back to court and have appealed the verdict shortly after the initial sentencing. A jury found DePape guilty of attempted kidnapping of a federal official and assault on the immediate family member of a federal official. Prosecutors had initially asked for a 40-year prison term for DePape. The attack on Paul Pelosi, which was captured on police body camera video just days before the 2022 midterm elections, left him with two head wounds, including a skull fracture that required plates and screws, as well as injuries to his arm and hand.
During the sentencing process, DePape’s attorney referenced the sentences given to individuals involved in the January 6th attack on the Capitol, arguing that DePape’s sentence should be considered in relation to those cases. However, the judge disagreed, stating that breaking into an elected official’s private home should be taken more seriously and may have a chilling effect on future candidates. Corley expressed concerns about DePape’s potential danger to society, as he admitted to breaking into the Pelosis’ home with intentions to hold the speaker hostage and commit violence if necessary.
DePape, a Canadian who moved to the U.S. over 20 years ago, admitted to breaking into the Pelosi’s home with intentions to confront Nancy Pelosi about corruption allegations he believed were true. He also admitted to attacking Paul Pelosi with a hammer when the police arrived, as his plan to end government corruption unraveled. DePape’s beliefs were influenced by the right-wing QAnon conspiracy theory, which claims a cabal of devil-worshipping pedophiles controls the U.S. government. The judge confirmed that DePape is currently held by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and will be deported upon completing his sentence.
Overall, the sentencing hearing for David DePape will be reopened to allow him the opportunity to make a statement as required by law. The judge acknowledged her error in not allowing DePape to speak before his initial sentencing and has scheduled a new hearing to correct this oversight. DePape’s defense attorneys have opposed bringing him back to court and have appealed the verdict. DePape’s acts of breaking into the Pelosi’s home and attacking Paul Pelosi with a hammer were driven by his beliefs in baseless conspiracy theories, highlighting the dangers of extremism and the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions.
