SAN FRANCISCO – A man convicted of attempting to kidnap former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and assaulting her husband with a hammer has been sentenced to 30 years in prison. David DePape, 44, was found guilty last November of trying to kidnap a federal official and assaulting the immediate family member of a federal official. The judge handed down the sentence on Friday, with prosecutors requesting a 40-year prison term. DePape received 20 years for one count and 30 years for another, with the sentences running concurrently.
During the sentencing, DePape stood silently as the judge delivered the sentence. His public defense attorneys had requested a 14-year sentence, citing his lack of prior criminal history and the difficult period he was going through in his life. However, Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley considered the severity of DePape’s actions when issuing the sentence, highlighting the unprecedented nature of breaking into a public official’s home.
Before the sentencing, victim statements were read by Christine Pelosis, representing her parents, detailing the impact of the violent attack on their lives. DePape admitted during the trial that he had broken into the Pelosis’ San Francisco home in 2022 with the intention of holding the speaker hostage and committing violence.
The attack on Paul Pelosi, who was 82 at the time, was captured on police body camera video just days before the midterm elections, causing shockwaves in the political world. Defense attorneys argued that DePape was driven by his political beliefs, not a desire to interfere with Pelosi’s official duties as a member of Congress.
At trial, DePape testified about his beliefs in conspiracy theories and his plan to confront Pelosi while wearing an inflatable unicorn costume. Prosecutors found him in possession of rope, zip ties, body cameras, and electronic devices.
Paul Pelosi testified about the harrowing experience, recounting how he faced serious danger and injuries during the attack. DePape is also facing charges in state court for assault with a deadly weapon, elder abuse, residential burglary, and other felonies, with jury selection for that trial expected to begin soon.
The brutal assault on the Pelosi family underscored the risks public officials and their families can face, highlighting the need for security measures and vigilance in the face of potential threats to their safety. The case serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of protecting elected officials and their loved ones from acts of violence and targeted harassment.