SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A man has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for attempting to kidnap former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and attacking her husband with a hammer. David DePape, 44, was found guilty of attempted kidnapping of a federal official and assault on a family member of a federal official. The judge handed down a sentence of 20 years for one count and 30 years for another, to be served concurrently.
During the sentencing, Christine Pelosi read statements on behalf of her parents, describing how the violent attack has impacted their lives. DePape broke into the Pelosis’ San Francisco home in October 2022 with the intention of holding the speaker hostage and attacking her husband. The attack left Paul Pelosi, then 82, with serious injuries, including a skull fracture and damage to his arm.
DePape, a Canadian residing in the U.S., testified during the trial that his actions were motivated by political beliefs and distrust of media narratives. He claimed to have planned to interrogate Nancy Pelosi while wearing an inflatable unicorn costume and record the encounter. Prosecutors revealed that DePape had rope, zip ties, body cameras, and electronic devices in his possession.
The defense argued that DePape’s political views, influenced by conspiracy theories, did not implicate him in obstructing Pelosi’s official duties. However, the judge took into account DePape’s unprecedented act of breaking into the home of a public official when handing down the sentence. Paul Pelosi testified that he feared for his life during the attack and expressed shock at the intruder’s intentions.
DePape is facing additional charges in state court, including assault with a deadly weapon and burglary. His trial is set to begin soon. The attack, captured on police body camera video just before midterm elections, sent shockwaves through the political world. The sentencing marks a conclusion to a harrowing ordeal for the Pelosi family, as they strive to recover from the trauma caused by the attacker’s violent actions.