SAN FRANCISCO (AP) – In a shocking turn of events, David DePape, the man convicted of trying to abduct former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and assaulting her husband with a hammer, has been sentenced to 30 years in prison by Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley. This punishment comes after DePape was found guilty last November on charges of attempting to kidnap a federal official and attacking a family member of a federal official. Despite the prosecution’s plea for a 40-year sentence, DePape received 20 years for one count and 30 years for the other, which will be served concurrently. He was given credit for the 18 months spent in custody.
During the sentencing, DePape stood quietly as Judge Corley delivered the verdict, showing little emotion. His defense team had argued for a shorter sentence, citing his lack of criminal history and personal struggles. However, Judge Corley took into consideration the severity of DePape’s actions, emphasizing the unprecedented nature of breaking into the home of a public official.
Christine Pelosi, daughter of Nancy and Paul Pelosi, shared victim impact statements before the sentencing, shedding light on the profound impact the violent attack had on their lives. The Pelosi family expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support they received during Paul Pelosi’s recovery from the assault.
DePape’s trial revealed disturbing details surrounding the break-in at the Pelosi residence, where he intended to hold Nancy Pelosi hostage. His attack on Paul Pelosi, captured on police body cameras, shook the political world just days before the midterm elections. Defense attorneys argued that DePape’s actions were driven by political beliefs rather than an attempt to interfere with Nancy Pelosi’s congressional duties, challenging the validity of the charges against him.
Throughout the trial, DePape described his motivations as rooted in conspiracy theories and a distrust of mainstream media. His plans to don an inflatable unicorn costume and record an interrogation of Nancy Pelosi, grounded in unfounded QAnon conspiracies, reflected the alarming extremism that fueled his actions. Prosecutors revealed DePape’s possession of alarming items such as rope, zip ties, body cameras, and electronic devices during the break-in.
Paul Pelosi’s harrowing testimony detailed the terrifying moments when DePape invaded their home, leaving him with severe head injuries and a fractured skull that required surgical intervention. Despite the physical and emotional trauma inflicted, the Pelosi family remains resilient in the aftermath of the attack. As DePape faces additional charges in state court, including assault with a deadly weapon and residential burglary, the repercussions of his violent actions continue to reverberate.