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DOJ seeks 40 years in prison for man who attacked Paul Pelosi – WPXI

The US Justice Department is reportedly asking that the man who attacked former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband with a hammer be sentenced to about four decades in prison.

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In a sentencing memorandum filed Friday and obtained by The Washington Post, federal prosecutors argue that David DePape’s crimes “constitute an act of terrorism” under U.S. law.

According to Reuters, prosecutors claim that DePape has shown no remorse.

“The violent lessons the defendant sought to teach are unacceptable in this country, and the sentence this court imposes must reflect the nature and circumstances of the crime,” U.S. attorneys said in the filing, according to NBC News.

On October 28, 2022, DePape broke into former House Speaker Pelosi’s home, the Post reported. He reportedly attacked Paul Pelosi with a gavel.

According to The San Francisco Chronicle, DePape was convicted in November 2023 of attempted kidnapping of a federal officer and assaulting a family member of a federal officer.

“There is nothing about the defendant’s history and characteristics that would justify leniency,” the documents said, according to the newspaper. “The defendant admitted – and even bragged – that he knew what he was doing when he packed his bags and went to the Pelosi House.”

Paul Pelosi underwent surgery to repair the fractured skull and injuries to his right arm and hands. His attack was one of the reasons Rep. Nancy Pelosi resigned from the Democratic leadership of the House of Representatives, CNN reported.

DePape is expected to be sentenced May 17, the Chronicle reported.