Prosecutors are recommending a 40-year sentence for the man found guilty of using a hammer to attack former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband, Paul, inside their San Francisco home in October 2022.
David DePape was convicted in November of assault on the immediate family member of a federal official and attempted kidnapping of a federal official. The Department of Justice argued that DePape’s actions constitute a federal crime of terrorism, calculated to influence government conduct through intimidation or coercion.
DePape’s attorney argued that his client's motivation for the assault did not match the charges against him, stating that the attack was not due to Nancy Pelosi's duties as a member of Congress.
During the trial, DePape, who described his political leanings as “right of center,” testified that he was focused on Nancy Pelosi and was surprised to find her absent from the home during the attack on her husband.
Paul Pelosi recounted the harrowing experience of waking up to a man with a hammer in his home, leading to a struggle and violent attack that left him with serious injuries.
The Department of Justice emphasized that the crimes committed by DePape are an assault on democracy and fundamental values, serving as a deterrent to others harboring violent intentions.
DePape’s federal sentencing date is set for May 17, and he still faces state charges in California, including attempted murder, burglary, and assault.
