Life Sentence for David DePape in Pelosi Attack
A California court has sentenced David DePape to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the brutal attack on Paul Pelosi, the husband of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The incident occurred in October 2022 when DePape broke into the Pelosi residence in San Francisco, demanding to know the whereabouts of Nancy Pelosi. During the attack, Paul Pelosi, aged 84, suffered a fractured skull and other serious injuries, necessitating a six-day hospital stay.
DePape had previously received a 30-year federal sentence for similar charges, including kidnapping and assault on an elderly person. The state sentence was imposed following a federal indictment by a grand jury. The court reviewed evidence, including police footage showing DePape wielding a hammer when officers arrived at the scene. Despite being ordered to drop the weapon, he struck Paul Pelosi before his arrest.
The Background of the Attack
The investigation revealed that DePape was influenced by far-right conspiracy theories. In court, he expressed intentions to harm Nancy Pelosi, claiming he wanted to “break her knees” unless she confessed to what he described as the “lies of the Democrats.” His defense team attempted to argue for a reduced sentence based on mental health issues and claims of isolation leading to vulnerability to propaganda, but the judge, Harry Dorfman, rejected this motion. He emphasized the severity of the attack and the need for justice for the victim.
Reactions to the Sentencing
Following the sentencing, Paul Pelosi's family released a statement expressing satisfaction with the legal outcome and hoping it would deter future political violence. U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland echoed this sentiment, labeling the attack as a stark reminder that violence has no place in a democracy. He stated that political outcomes should be pursued through voting and advocacy, not through violence, reinforcing the message that such actions will face severe consequences.
