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In California, David DePape was convicted by a jury on all counts in the state’s case related to his hammer assault on Paul Pelosi, following a federal conviction for the attack in 2022, according to official statements. The verdict was reached by the jury on Friday afternoon after they started deliberations on Tuesday, with a break on Wednesday, in San Francisco.
DePape, aged 44, faced several charges including the false imprisonment of an elder through violence or threat, breaking into a residence, threatening a public official’s family member, forcefully dissuading a witness, and aggravated kidnapping—which could result in a sentence of life without parole. His sentencing will be determined at a future date.
Photo credit to Michael Short/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images shows DePape in Berkeley, Calif., December 2013.
San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins highlighted the verdict as a step toward holding DePape accountable for his heinous actions against the Pelosi family and the country’s democratic foundation. Jenkins expressed gratitude to both law enforcement for their collaboration and the family for their strength and resilience through this challenging time, hoping the verdict would offer them some solace.
Adam Lipson, DePape’s public defender, expressed disappointment in the outcome, arguing against the aggravated kidnapping charge and suggesting DePape’s isolation and immersion in conspiracy theories influenced his actions. DePape, who pleaded not guilty, chose not to testify during the three-week trial.
The judge had earlier dismissed attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, and elder abuse charges against DePape, citing concerns of double jeopardy after his federal trial conviction, as per the AP.
Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images displays Paul Pelosi at President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address in Washington, D.C., on February 7, 2023.
During retrial sentencing in his federal case, DePape apologized for the attack, regretting not leaving upon finding Nancy Pelosi was not home. His attorneys have signaled their intention to appeal following his sentencing to 30 years in federal prison.
In November 2023, a federal jury found DePape guilty of attempting to kidnap a federal officer or employee and assaulting a family member of a federal official. DePape admitted his intentions to question Nancy Pelosi about the 2016 election’s Russian influence, targeting her during the Oct. 28, 2022, break-in but ultimately attacking Paul Pelosi, resulting in severe injuries including a skull fracture. Despite stating that Paul Pelosi was not his intended target, DePape expressed regret for the injuries caused during both trials.