Man Who Attacked Pelosi's Husband with Hammer Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison

David DePape, the man who brutally assaulted Paul Pelosi, the husband of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison on Friday. The sentencing took place in a California courtroom, where U.S. District Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley handed down the sentence, marking the culmination of a high-profile case that has reverberated through the political landscape.

The attack occurred in the early hours of October 28, 2022, when DePape broke into the Pelosi residence in San Francisco. Armed with a hammer, DePape confronted Paul Pelosi, demanding to know the whereabouts of his wife, Nancy Pelosi, who was in Washington, D.C., at the time. DePape's intentions were clear: he planned to kidnap the then-Speaker of the House and interrogate her about what he believed to be a corrupt conspiracy involving prominent liberal figures.

Paul Pelosi, who was 82 years old at the time, managed to make an emergency call to the police before DePape noticed. When law enforcement arrived, they found both men struggling over the hammer. Despite police orders to drop the weapon, DePape struck Paul Pelosi in the head, causing severe injuries, including a skull fracture that required emergency surgery. The attack was captured on police body camera footage, which was later presented as evidence in court.

During the trial, DePape admitted to his actions, stating that his plan to end what he perceived as government corruption was unraveling. He confessed to breaking into the Pelosi home with the intention of holding Nancy Pelosi hostage and causing her harm if she lied to him. DePape's defense attorneys argued that his actions were driven by his political beliefs and involvement in conspiracy theories, rather than an intent to interfere with Nancy Pelosi's official duties as a member of Congress.

Prosecutors, however, painted a different picture. They argued that DePape's actions were premeditated and politically motivated, driven by far-right conspiracy theories, including the baseless QAnon theory that claims a cabal of devil-worshipping pedophiles runs the U.S. government. DePape's online posts, which were taken down after his arrest, echoed these conspiracy theories and revealed his belief that news outlets repeatedly lied about former President Donald Trump.

In addition to the federal charges, DePape faces separate state charges, including assault with a deadly weapon, elder abuse, residential burglary, and other felonies. Jury selection for the state trial is expected to begin next week.

During the sentencing hearing, Christine Pelosi, the couple's daughter, read victim impact statements on behalf of her parents. She described the profound impact the attack had on their lives, highlighting her father's courage in surviving the assault and testifying in court. Paul Pelosi, in his statement, detailed the ongoing physical and emotional toll of the attack, including permanent nerve damage and the need for a metal plate in his head.

Judge Corley, in delivering the sentence, emphasized the unprecedented nature of the crime. "He actually went to the home, that is completely, completely unprecedented," she said. The judge took into account DePape's lack of prior criminal history and the difficult period he was going through at the time of the attack, but ultimately decided that the severity of the crime warranted a substantial sentence.

The Pelosi family expressed their gratitude for the support they received from the public and their pride in Paul Pelosi's resilience. "The Pelosi family couldn't be prouder of their Pop and his tremendous courage in saving his own life on the night of the attack and in testifying in this case," said Aaron Bennett, a spokesperson for Nancy Pelosi. "Speaker Pelosi and her family are immensely grateful to all who have sent love and prayers over the last eighteen months, as Mr. Pelosi continues his recovery."

The sentencing of David DePape serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of politically motivated violence and the impact of conspiracy theories on individuals' actions. As the legal proceedings continue with the state charges, the case remains a significant moment in the ongoing discourse about political extremism and the safety of public officials and their families.