David DePape received a life sentence without parole on Tuesday for the hammer assault on Paul Pelosi. In June, a jury found him guilty of multiple charges, including the violent false imprisonment of an elder, residential burglary, and aggravated kidnapping.
Before sentencing, DePape’s legal team sought a retrial, but the judge denied this request. In May, he had also been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for attempting to hold Nancy Pelosi hostage and attacking her husband with a hammer.
DePape entered the Pelosi residence in San Francisco seeking Nancy Pelosi, who was absent at the time. The Pelosi family, in a statement, expressed that the state sentencing provides Paul Pelosi with some legal justice and serves as a warning against political violence.
David DePape, the guy who assaulted Paul Pelosi in what appeared to be a lover’s spat was sentenced today.
He received LIFE IN PRISON. pic.twitter.com/I1SzGtDKdT
— 🇺🇸↪️aptain Ⓜ️organ🇺🇸 (@CaptainMorganTN) October 30, 2024
Paul Pelosi, in a letter to Judge Harry Dorfman, described the lasting physical and psychological effects of the attack on his family. He urged the court to impose the maximum sentence on DePape, citing daily headaches and balance issues as ongoing struggles.
San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins stated that the conviction holds DePape accountable for his crimes against the Pelosi family and democracy. DePape’s public defender, Adam Lipson, expressed disappointment with the verdict, arguing the charges were excessive and highlighting DePape’s isolated lifestyle and involvement in conspiracy theories.
DePape did not testify in the state trial and pleaded not guilty. Paul Pelosi recounted how DePape woke him during the attack, armed with a hammer and zip ties, and was resolute in his intentions.
During the federal sentencing, DePape apologised for the attack, admitting he should have left upon realising Nancy Pelosi was not home. A federal jury convicted him in November 2023 for attempted kidnapping and assault of a federal officer’s family member.
After initially sentencing DePape to 30 years in May, the court reopened the case, allowing him to address the court, and reaffirmed the 30-year sentence. DePape admitted during the trial that he sought Nancy Pelosi to question her about the 2016 election but only found Paul Pelosi at home on 28 October 2022.
Paul Pelosi testified that DePape repeatedly asked about Nancy Pelosi’s whereabouts before striking him with a hammer, resulting in severe injuries, including a skull fracture. DePape claimed Paul Pelosi was not his intended target, expressing regret for the harm caused.
Police body camera footage documented the incident. Paul Pelosi spent six days in the hospital, undergoing surgery for his injuries.
What Other Media Are Saying
- USA Today reports that a San Francisco judge sentenced David Depape to life for attacking Paul Pelosi, husband of former U.S. Speaker Nancy Pelosi, emphasizing justice for the violent assault.(read more)
- BBC News: The article discusses Lebanon’s growing communal tensions due to an influx of refugees fleeing Israeli strikes, exacerbating sectarian divisions in Beirut.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What sentence did David DePape receive for attacking Paul Pelosi?
David DePape received a life sentence without parole for the hammer assault on Paul Pelosi.
Why was David DePape sentenced to 30 years in federal prison?
He was sentenced for attempting to hold Nancy Pelosi hostage and attacking her husband.
Did David DePape testify during his state trial?
No, David DePape did not testify and pleaded not guilty during his state trial.
How did Paul Pelosi describe the impact of the attack?
Paul Pelosi detailed lasting physical and psychological effects, including daily headaches and balance issues.
What was documented in the police body camera footage?
The footage documented the incident where DePape attacked Paul Pelosi with a hammer.
