DOJ seeks 40-year sentence for man who attacked Nancy Pelosi’s husband

Federal prosecutors are pushing for a 40-year prison sentence for the man convicted of attacking the husband of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

In a 20-page document filed Friday, prosecutors called for a longer sentence for defendant David DePape than the 25-year sentence recommended by the U.S. Probation Office.

DePape “intended to promote a federal crime of terrorism, and therefore the terrorism extension should apply here,” U.S. attorneys wrote. “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 offense.”

Prosecutors argued that using terrorism enhancement would act as a deterrent to others contemplating “violent ideological attacks.”

“At a time when extremism has led to attacks on public and elected officials, this case is an opportunity to speak with others who harbor ideologically motivated violent dreams and plans,” the filing says.

DePape was convicted in November of violently attacking Paul Pelosi with a hammer and his sentencing is scheduled for May 17.

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