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Attacker who used hammer against Paul Pelosi sentenced to 30 years in prison



A man convicted of attempting to kidnap then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and attacking her husband with a hammer has been sentenced to 30 years in prison. Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley handed down the sentence for David DePape, 44, whom jurors found guilty of attempted kidnapping of a federal official and assault on the immediate family member of a federal official. Prosecutors had requested a 40-year prison term.

DePape received 20 years for one count and 30 years for another count, to be served concurrently. He was also given credit for the 18 months he’s been in custody.

During the trial, DePape admitted to breaking into the Pelosis’ San Francisco home on Oct. 28, 2022, with the intent to hold the speaker hostage and attack her husband. The attack on Paul Pelosi, captured on police body camera video, sent shockwaves through the political world.

Defense attorneys argued that DePape’s actions were driven by his political beliefs, and not an attempt to interfere with Nancy Pelosi’s official duties as a member of Congress.

DePape, a Canadian living in the U.S. for over 20 years, testified that he believed in conspiracy theories and echoed baseless right-wing QAnon claims about the government.

He had planned to record his interaction with Nancy Pelosi while wearing an inflatable unicorn costume, and prosecutors found evidence of his plans with him, including rope, zip ties, body cameras, a computer, and a tablet.

Paul Pelosi also testified about the attack, describing the shock of the intrusion and the subsequent injuries he sustained.

DePape faces additional charges in state court, including assault with a deadly weapon, elder abuse, and residential burglary.

Paul Pelosi suffered serious injuries in the attack and has undergone medical treatment for a skull fracture and other wounds.


Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.



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