San Francisco, CA – A federal judge sentenced David DePape to 30 years in prison for the assault and attempted kidnapping of former United States House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband, Paul Pelosi. The attack occurred in October 2022, leaving Paul with multiple injuries, including a fractured skull that required hospitalization for nearly a week.
During the trial in a San Francisco federal court, Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley emphasized the need for a sentence that reflects the seriousness of the offense. She stated, “He broke into the home of an official and violently attacked the public official’s spouse. That act is unprecedented.” DePape received 30 years for assault and 20 years for attempted kidnapping, with the sentences running concurrently. He also faces potential life imprisonment on separate state charges.
Prosecutors had initially sought a 40-year sentence after DePape was found guilty of assault on a federal official’s family member and attempted kidnapping of a federal official by a jury in November. DePape, a Canadian citizen residing in the US for around two decades, had targeted Nancy Pelosi but ultimately confronted her husband, Paul, who managed to call the police during the incident.
DePape entered the Pelosi’s San Francisco residence with a hammer, intending to harm Nancy Pelosi if she did not admit to what he believed were lies from the Democratic Party. Body cameras worn by responding officers recorded DePape striking Paul before being apprehended. In court, DePape claimed he was “surprised and confused” to find Paul instead of Nancy, leading him to react impulsively.
A spokesperson for Nancy Pelosi expressed the family’s immense gratitude for the support they’ve received following the attack and Paul’s recovery. They commended Paul’s courage on the night of the assault and during his testimony. The Pelosi family remains appreciative of the well-wishes and prayers sent their way over the past eighteen months as Paul continues to recuperate.
This sentencing highlights the severity of the attack on Paul Pelosi and serves as a reminder of the risks faced by public officials and their families in an increasingly polarized political climate. The case also underscores the importance of ensuring the safety and security of individuals serving in public office.