SAN FRANCISCO, CA – In a shocking turn of events, David DePape was sentenced to 30 years in prison on Friday for attempting to kidnap former Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, and attacking her husband with a hammer. This grim verdict was handed down by Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley, following DePape’s conviction last November on charges of attempted kidnapping of a federal official and assault on the immediate family member of a federal official. While prosecutors had demanded a 40-year sentence, DePape received 20 years for one count and 30 years for another, to be served concurrently.
During the sentencing, DePape stood in silence as Judge Corley delivered the verdict, highlighting the severity of his actions. The judge took into account the unprecedented nature of DePape breaking into the home of a public official, marking a troubling milestone in the country’s history. Victim statements were read by Christine Pelosi on behalf of her parents, shedding light on the trauma and lasting impact of the violent attack on their family.
Throughout the trial, DePape admitted to breaking into the Pelosi’s San Francisco home with the intent to hold the speaker hostage and inflict harm if she did not comply. The brutal attack on Paul Pelosi, captured on police body cameras just days before the midterm elections, sent shockwaves through the political realm. Defense attorneys argued that DePape’s actions were driven by his political beliefs, discrediting the charges against him as invalid.
Exploring the defendant’s motives further, DePape’s testimony revealed his deep-seated distrust of mainstream media and propagation of conspiracy theories, including the debunked QAnon narrative. His plans to don an inflatable unicorn costume during the attack and record the ordeal for online dissemination added a surreal element to the already chilling events. Evidence presented in court included rope, zip ties, body cameras, and electronic devices found in DePape’s possession at the time of his arrest.
Paul Pelosi’s harrowing account of the intrusion painted a vivid picture of the fear and danger he faced, with lasting physical injuries sustained during the assault. As DePape faces additional charges in state court, including assault with a deadly weapon and residential burglary, the implications of his actions continue to reverberate. The severe consequences of his violent actions serve as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by extremist ideologies and misguided beliefs.