Federal prosecutors are demanding 40 years in prison for man who attacked Pelosi’s husband with a hammer

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Federal prosecutors are asking a judge to impose a 40-year prison sentence for the man who broke into former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s San Francisco home to take her hostage , and attacked her husband with a hammer.

The San Francisco Chronicle reported late Friday that prosecutors made the request ahead of a sentencing hearing for David DePape, saying he has shown no remorse for the October 2022 attack.

“There is nothing about the defendant’s history and characteristics that would warrant leniency,” federal prosecutors wrote in court documents. “The defendant admitted – and even bragged – that he knew what he was doing.”

DePape was convicted last year of attempted kidnapping of a federal officer and assault of an immediate family member of a federal officer. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Friday.

The attack on then-82-year-old Paul Pelosi, captured on police body camera video just days before the midterm elections, sent shockwaves throughout the political world.

DePape admitted during his testimony that he broke into the Pelosi home with the intention of taking the speaker hostage and “breaking her kneecaps” if she lied to him. He also admitted to beating Paul Pelosi to death with a hammer after police showed up at the House and said his plan to end what he saw as government corruption had faltered.

Defense attorneys said DePape was motivated by his political beliefs and steeped in conspiracy theories.

Nancy Pelosi was not home at the time of the attack. Paul Pelosi suffered two wounds to his head, including a fractured skull that was repaired with plates and screws that he will wear for the rest of his life. His right arm and hand were also injured.