SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — David DePape, the man convicted of attempting to kidnap then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and assaulting her husband with a hammer, was sentenced to 30 years in prison by Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley on Friday.
DePape, 44, was found guilty by jurors last November of attempted kidnapping of a federal official and assault on the immediate family member of a federal official. Prosecutors sought a 40-year prison term, but he received 20 years for one count and 30 years for another, to run concurrently. He was credited for the 18 months he has already spent in custody.
During sentencing, DePape stood quietly as Judge Corley delivered the sentence, showing little emotion. His defense attorneys had requested a 14-year sentence, citing his lack of criminal history and challenging circumstances in his life. Corley, however, took into account the seriousness of DePape’s actions, breaking into the home of a public official.
Christine Pelosi, reading victim statements on behalf of her parents, detailed how the violent attack altered their lives. In response, a spokesperson for Nancy Pelosi expressed pride in her father’s bravery and gratitude for the support they have received during his recovery.
DePape, acknowledging his actions during the trial, admitted to breaking into the Pelosi’s San Francisco home with intentions to harm Nancy Pelosi and assaulting Paul Pelosi with a hammer. The attack, captured on police body camera footage, occurred just days before the midterm elections.
Claiming his political beliefs drove his actions, DePape’s defense argued against charges related to interfering with Nancy Pelosi’s official duties, asserting his motivations were rooted in conspiracy theories. He testified about his distrust of news outlets and aligning with the QAnon conspiracy theory.
DePape planned to record his interrogation of Nancy Pelosi in an inflatable unicorn costume to upload online. Detectives found him in possession of tools indicating more sinister intentions. Paul Pelosi recalled the terrifying experience of the break-in, how he faced imminent danger, and sustained severe injuries, resulting in a trial for DePape with additional charges.
Following the sentencing, DePape faces further charges in state court and a pending trial, as he inflicts lasting physical and emotional trauma on the Pelosi family.