SAN FRANCISCO, CA – A man who attempted to kidnap former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and attacked her husband has been sentenced to 30 years in prison by Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley. David DePape, 44, was found guilty last November of attempting to kidnap a federal official and assaulting a family member of a federal official. The prosecution sought a 40-year prison term, but DePape received concurrent sentences of 20 and 30 years for the two counts, taking into account the 18 months he has already spent in custody.
During the sentencing, DePape stood quietly as Judge Corley delivered the sentence. His defense attorneys had requested a 14-year sentence, citing his lack of criminal history and personal struggles. However, the judge emphasized the severity of his actions, breaking into the home of a public official – an unprecedented act in the country’s history.
Christine Pelosi read victim statements on behalf of her parents, detailing the impact of the violent attack on their lives. Paul Pelosi, who was 82 at the time of the attack, was bludgeoned with a hammer by DePape in an attempt to hold Nancy Pelosi hostage. The attack, captured on police body camera footage, occurred just days before the midterm elections, sending shockwaves through the political landscape.
DePape, a Canadian immigrant who has been in the U.S. for over two decades, expressed his belief in conspiracy theories about government corruption and former President Donald Trump. He admitted to planning to wear an inflatable unicorn costume during the attack and record his interrogation of the speaker. Prosecutors found rope, zip ties, body cameras, and electronic devices in his possession at the time of the incident.
Paul Pelosi recounted the harrowing experience of waking up to an intruder in their home, fearing for his life as DePape demanded to know the whereabouts of Nancy Pelosi. The attack left Pelosi with severe head injuries, including a skull fracture that required surgical intervention.
DePape faces additional charges in state court, including assault with a deadly weapon, elder abuse, and residential burglary. His trial for these charges is set to commence soon. The Pelosi family remains grateful for the outpouring of support they have received following the traumatic ordeal.