Devendra Kumar
David DePape, the 44-year-old man convicted of attempting to kidnap then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and attacking her husband with a hammer, has been sentenced to 30 years in prison in the United States. Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley handed down the sentence, which will run concurrently with a 20-year sentence for another count. DePape has already been in custody for 18 months and will receive credit for that time served.
During the trial, DePape admitted to breaking into the Pelosis’ San Francisco home on October 28, 2022, intending to hold Nancy Pelosi hostage and “break her kneecaps” if she lied to him. He also admitted to bludgeoning Paul Pelosi with a hammer after police arrived, stating that his plan to end what he viewed as government corruption was unraveling. The attack on the 82-year-old Paul Pelosi was captured on police body camera video, sending shockwaves through the political world.
DePape’s defense lawyers argued that he was motivated by his political beliefs, not because he wanted to interfere with Nancy Pelosi’s official duties as a member of Congress, making the charges against him invalid. However, prosecutors pointed out that DePape’s actions, including the possession of rope and zip ties, suggested a clear intent to kidnap and harm the speaker.
At the trial, DePape testified that he believed news outlets repeatedly lied about former president Donald Trump, and that he was caught up in conspiracy theories. He also echoed the baseless QAnon conspiracy theory, which claims a cabal of devil-worshipping pedophiles runs the US government. DePape’s blog and online posts, which have since been taken down, revealed his extreme political beliefs and intentions.
The attack on Paul Pelosi was brutal, leaving him with two head wounds, including a skull fracture that will require plates and screws for the rest of his life. His right arm and hand were also injured. Mr. Pelosi testified at the trial, recalling how he was awakened by the intruder and tried to stay calm as he realized the danger he was in.
DePape will still face trial in state court on charges of assault with a deadly weapon, elder abuse, residential burglary, and other felonies. His sentencing comes just days after the midterm elections, and serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of political extremism and conspiracy theories.