Attacker of Nancy Pelosi’s husband gets 30-year imprisonment

Attacker of Nancy Pelosi’s husband gets 30-year imprisonment

David DePape, the man convicted of attacking Paul Pelosi, the husband of former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), was sentenced to 30 years in prison on Friday. This follows a November 2023 jury verdict that found DePape guilty of assaulting Paul Pelosi with a hammer at the couple’s California residence and attempting to kidnap Nancy Pelosi.

The attack occurred in October 2022, when DePape, a Canadian former nudist activist, broke into the Pelosis’ home to confront Nancy Pelosi about Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. Upon encountering Paul Pelosi, 82, instead, DePape repeatedly demanded, “Where’s Nancy?” before attacking Paul with a hammer, causing a skull fracture and other injuries.

In court, Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley noted that despite DePape’s lack of criminal history and susceptibility to conspiracy theories, the violence of the attack was “completely gratuitous.” Prosecutors had recommended a 40-year prison sentence, arguing that the severity and premeditation of DePape’s actions warranted the maximum penalties under the law.

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During his testimony, DePape expressed regret for harming Paul Pelosi, stating, “He was never my target, and I’m sorry that he got hurt.” However, federal prosecutors emphasized the need for a significant sentence to meet sentencing goals and prevent similar future acts.

The Department of Justice, in a letter dated May 10, had argued that a 30-year sentence alone would not suffice, recommending a cumulative sentence that included 20 years for attempted kidnapping and 30 years for assault, to be served consecutively. They also suggested terms of supervised release and special assessments per count.

The incident was captured on video, showing the moments leading up to the attack as police officers arrived at the scene. Despite instructions from the officers, DePape refused to drop the hammer and proceeded to strike Paul Pelosi.

Paul Pelosi underwent successful surgery for his injuries and continues to recover from the physical and psychological effects of the attack. Nancy Pelosi, in her statement to the court, highlighted the lasting trauma her family has endured and urged for a “very long” sentence for DePape.

Attacker of Nancy Pelosi’s husband gets 30-year imprisonment