The man convicted of attacking the husband of then-Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, with a hammer has been sentenced to 30 years in prison.
David DePape, 44, was convicted last November of attempted kidnapping of a federal official and assault of an immediate family member of a federal official.
Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley handed down the sentence of 30 years in prison after prosecutors asked for a 40-year prison term.
DePape was given 20 years on one charge and 30 years on another, to run concurrently. He was also given credit for the 18 months he has been detained.
DePape admitted during trial testimony that he broke into Pelosi’s San Francisco home on October 28, 2022 with the intention of celebrating. Mrs. Pelosi as a hostage and “break his kneecaps” if he lied to him.
He also admitted to hitting Paul Pelosi with a hammer after police showed up, saying his plan to end what he saw as government corruption was falling apart.
The attack on Pelosi, who was 82 at the time, was captured on police body camera.
Defense attorneys argued that DePape was motivated by his political beliefs, not because he wanted to interfere with Pelosi’s official duties as a member of Congress, thereby invalidating the charges against him.
One of his attorneys said during closing arguments that DePape was caught up in conspiracy theories.
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The attack occurred at the couple’s home in San Francisco in October 2022. Photo: AP
Plans to wear an inflatable unicorn costume during interrogation
During the trial, the Canadian, who moved to the United States more than 20 years ago, testified that he believed the media repeatedly lied about former President Donald Trump.
DePape also told jurors that he had planned to wear an inflatable unicorn costume and record his interrogation of the Democratic president, who was not home at the time of the attack, to post it on the Internet.
Prosecutors said he had ropes and zip ties with him, and detectives found body cameras, a computer and a tablet.
“A tremendous shock”
Pelosi also testified at the trial and recalled being awakened by a large man who burst into the bedroom and asked, “Where’s Nancy?”
He said he responded that his wife was in Washington and DePape said he would tie him up while they waited for her.
“It was a tremendous sense of shock to recognize that someone had broken into the house, and looking at it and looking at the hammer and the restraints, I recognized that I was in grave danger, so I tried to remain as calm as possible,” Pelosi said. to the jury.
State judicial offices
DePape is also charged in state court with assault with a deadly weapon, elder abuse, residential burglary and other felonies. Jury selection for that trial is expected to begin Wednesday.
Pelosi suffered two head injuries in the attack, including a fractured skull. His right arm and hand were also injured.
This story originally appeared on News.sky.com read the full story
