San Francisco, California – A man who attempted to kidnap former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and attacked her husband with a hammer has been sentenced to 30 years in prison. David DePape, 44, received the sentence from Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley, who found him guilty of attempted kidnapping of a federal official and assault on the family member of a federal official. Prosecutors had requested a longer 40-year prison term.
DePape was given 20 years for one count and 30 years for another, to be served concurrently. The judge also took into account the 18 months DePape had already spent in custody. Despite the plea from his defense attorneys for a 14-year sentence due to personal struggles and no prior criminal record, the judge stood by her decision.
During his trial, DePape admitted breaking into the Pelosi residence in San Francisco with intentions to hold the Speaker hostage. He further confessed to assaulting Paul Pelosi with a hammer when police intervened, disrupting his plan to confront what he believed was governmental corruption. The violent incident, captured on police body camera footage, sent shockwaves through the political realm just days before the midterm elections.
DePape’s defense team argued that his actions stemmed from political beliefs rather than a desire to obstruct Nancy Pelosi’s official duties, challenging the validity of the charges. The defendant, a Canadian immigrant to the U.S., expressed distrust in media reports about former President Donald Trump and endorsed right-wing conspiracy theories, including QAnon.
Aside from federal charges, DePape also faces state accusations of assault with a deadly weapon, elder abuse, residential burglary, and additional felonies. Paul Pelosi, who sustained severe injuries during the attack, described the terror of the encounter and the lasting impact on his life. DePape’s trial is scheduled to begin in the coming days as the legal proceedings continue.