The man who broke into the San Francisco home of Nancy Pelosi two years ago and bludgeoned her husband with a hammer has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison. David DePape, the assailant, was convicted on federal charges for the attack on Paul Pelosi, the husband of the former Speaker of the House.
During the trial, DePape admitted to carrying out the attack but claimed he never intended to harm Mr. Pelosi. He stated that his intrusion into the Pelosi’s home was part of a plot to kidnap Nancy Pelosi and interrogate her about a supposed corrupt conspiracy involving prominent liberal figures.
DePape was convicted of attempted kidnapping of a federal officer and assault on an immediate family member of a federal official. Prosecutors sought the maximum sentences for each offense, but the judge decided that the sentences would run concurrently rather than consecutively.
The court took into account DePape’s lack of a criminal record and his vulnerability to conspiracy theories but emphasized that the violence he committed was “completely gratuitous.” The judge expressed concern that the attack might deter people from serving in public office.
DePape, a Canadian citizen who moved to San Francisco in his 20s, was described as a man driven by online conspiracy theories and influenced by right-wing rhetoric. His lawyers argued that he targeted Pelosi because he saw her as part of an elite Democratic cabal.
The sentencing hearing included statements from Nancy and Paul Pelosi, detailing the impact of the attack on their lives. Mr. Pelosi described the physical and emotional trauma he continues to suffer, while Mrs. Pelosi noted that their home remains a crime scene.
DePape’s lawyers claimed that he had been manipulated by his former partner, who was present in court during the trial, and by online conspiracy theories. Prosecutors, however, argued that his actions were an attack on democracy and urged the judge to impose a “terrorism enhancement” to his sentence.
The sentencing serves as a reminder that political discourse must never escalate to violence. DePape’s attack on the Pelosi’s home was a shocking and unprecedented event that left lasting effects on the victims. The trial for the state charges stemming from the attack is set to begin in May.
