A man who attacked Nancy Pelosi’s husband with a hammer was sentenced to 30 years in federal court. He was also convicted of aggravated kidnapping by a state court, which could result in a life sentence.
David DePape received a 30-year federal prison sentence for the 2022 attack on Paul Pelosi. A San Francisco jury found DePape guilty of additional charges including first-degree burglary, false imprisonment of an elder, threatening a family member of a public official, dissuading a witness, and aggravated kidnapping.
During closing arguments, DePape’s defense lawyer argued that prosecutors did not provide enough evidence for some of the charges. Prosecutors added the charges of threatening a family member and aggravated kidnapping late in the trial.
DePape was also convicted in federal court of assaulting a federal official’s family member and attempting to kidnap a federal official. He was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison and may face deportation to Canada after serving his sentence.
The defense argued that the state trial was a case of double jeopardy following the federal conviction, but the charges were dropped by a San Francisco Superior Court judge.
In her rebuttal, the Assistant District Attorney pointed out that DePape had planned to create a video of Nancy Pelosi confessing to crimes and believed it had value.
The attack on Paul Pelosi was captured on police body camera video and left him with severe injuries. DePape admitted to planning to hold Nancy Pelosi hostage and harm her if she did not comply with his demands.
During his federal trial, DePape claimed he was influenced by propaganda and conspiracy theories before the attack.
DePape’s former partner was removed from the courtroom for allegedly trying to tamper with the jury. The partner, Gypsy Taub, was accused of distributing conspiracy theory materials outside the courthouse.
DePape’s defense mentioned that Taub had introduced him to extreme beliefs, which had a detrimental impact on him.
Related stories:
Jury convicts man who attacked Paul Pelosi
