David DePape Sentenced to Life Without Parole for Attack on Paul Pelosi

The individual who unlawfully entered the residence of former Speaker Nancy Pelosi and assaulted her husband with a hammer has received a life sentence without the chance of parole for state offenses in California. David DePape had previously been found guilty of federal charges in May, resulting in a 30-year prison term that will now run concurrently. During the state proceedings, a San Francisco jury determined DePape was culpable of kidnapping, first-degree burglary, and false imprisonment of an elder. The assault resulted in Paul Pelosi, currently 84 years old, being hospitalized for six days due to a fractured skull and additional injuries. Following the sentencing, the Pelosi family issued a statement asserting that “legal justice has been served.” The family further stated, “Since the violent break-in and shouts of ‘where’s Nancy?’ two years ago, not a day goes by that we do not think of this devastating assault, its trauma — or the possibility of future attacks.” They expressed their hope that the imposed sentence conveys a clear message “that political violence against elected officials or their family members will not be tolerated.” DePape’s legal representative indicated an intention to appeal Tuesday’s judgment. Attorney Adam Lipson remarked to journalists subsequent to the hearing, “This was a really tragic end to a tragic story.” Mr. Lipson had unsuccessfully advocated for the judge to impose a less severe punishment, contending that DePape experienced mental health challenges and social isolation, factors he claimed rendered him susceptible to propaganda. Judge Harry Dorfman rejected this plea, stating he harbored no sympathy for DePape. “I feel sympathy for the victim in this case, who’s lucky to be alive,” Judge Dorfman declared while delivering the sentence. He added, “It’s my intention that Mr DePape will never get out of prison, he can never be paroled.” Footage of the event, presented during the prior trial, depicted DePape, a Canadian citizen residing in the US for two decades, forcibly entering the Pelosi residence in California, equipped with a hammer, on 28 October 2022. DePape inquired about Mrs. Pelosi, who was absent, upon encountering the lawmaker’s husband within their home. When law enforcement officers arrived in response to a 911 dispatch, they observed both Mr. Pelosi and DePape holding the hammer. Shortly thereafter, having been instructed to relinquish the weapon, DePape suddenly hit Mr. Pelosi before officers subdued him. The occurrence was recorded by body cameras worn by the officers. Beyond a fractured skull, Mr. Pelosi sustained wounds to his arm and hand. He was hit three times throughout the assault. The assailant had confessed during his federal trial that his intention was to take Mrs. Pelosi hostage, question her on camera, and “break her kneecaps” if she failed to acknowledge what he alleged were her falsehoods. Christine, Mrs. Pelosi’s daughter, read aloud a letter composed by her father, detailing how the attack caused him nerve damage and a fear of sleeping alone at home. During his opportunity to address the court during the state trial, DePape extensively discussed conspiracy theories related to the 11 September 2001 attack, as reported by the Associated Press, whose journalists were present in the courtroom. The AP also conveyed that DePape expressed a belief that his government-assigned attorneys were conspiring against him, necessitating multiple interruptions from the judge. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the material found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is available.