Additional Coverage:
David DePape Sentenced to Life in Prison
The man who attacked Nancy Pelosi’s husband with a hammer was sentenced to life in prison without parole in a state trial. David DePape had previously been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for the attack.
Jury Convicted DePape of Multiple Charges
A San Francisco jury found DePape guilty of kidnapping, burglary, and false imprisonment of an elder. Judge Harry Dorfman rejected defense arguments for a new trial, stating that DePape would “never get out of prison.”
DePape’s Defense Presented Mental Health Concerns
Defense attorney Adam Lipson argued that DePape’s mental health issues and susceptibility to online propaganda should be considered. However, DePape’s bizarre statements in court, including claims of being psychic and government conspiracies, undermined his credibility.
Victim’s Letter Requests Maximum Sentence
Paul Pelosi’s daughter read a letter in court calling for the maximum sentence. He described the attack’s lasting physical and emotional impact.
Concurrent Federal and State Sentences
DePape’s state sentence will run concurrently with his federal sentence for assaulting a federal official’s family member and attempting to kidnap a federal official. Defense attorneys argued that the state trial constituted double jeopardy, but the judge dismissed some charges while keeping others that were not covered by the federal case.
Attack on Paul Pelosi Shocked Political World
The attack on Paul Pelosi in October 2022 was captured on police video and sent shockwaves through the political world. He suffered severe injuries, including a skull fracture. DePape admitted to planning to hold Nancy Pelosi hostage and interrogate her about alleged lies she told.