David DePape, the individual who unlawfully entered former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's residence in 2022 and assaulted her husband with a hammer, has been sentenced to 30 years in prison, announced federal prosecutors on Friday.
The attack, which occurred in San Francisco on October 28, 2022, was deemed politically motivated. DePape forcibly entered Pelosi's home just ahead of that year's congressional elections, while Pelosi herself was in Washington. The assailant, reportedly influenced by far-right conspiracy theories associated with QAnon, admitted during trial proceedings that his objective was to take Pelosi hostage.
Upon entering the premises, DePape confronted Pelosi's husband, Paul, and struck him with a hammer before being subdued by law enforcement officers who responded to the incident. Found guilty in November of attempting to kidnap a federal officer and assaulting a family member of a federal officer, DePape's actions resulted in severe injuries to Paul Pelosi, including skull fractures and other lasting impairments.
In a letter addressed to the presiding judge prior to the sentencing, Paul Pelosi detailed the ongoing repercussions of the attack, which have included dizziness, balance issues, and permanent nerve damage. Nancy Pelosi, in a separate letter, advocated for a lengthy punishment, highlighting the gravity of the offense and drawing parallels to the January 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection.
Prosecutors had sought a 40-year prison term for DePape, emphasizing the severity of his actions and their potential impact on government operations. While DePape's defense attorney argued for a lesser sentence, citing personal struggles and past trauma, the court ultimately imposed a 30-year prison term.
DePape still faces state charges related to the incident, including attempted murder, which could result in additional years of imprisonment. In response to the sentencing, a spokesperson for the Pelosi family expressed admiration for Paul Pelosi's bravery and resilience in confronting the attack and participating in legal proceedings.
