Man who attacked Nancy Pelosi’s husband with hammer sentenced to 30 years in prison

The man who attacked former Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband with a hammer in their San Francisco home has been sentenced to 30 years in prison.

David DePape, 44, was convicted in November of attempted kidnapping of a federal officer and assaulting the immediate family member of a federal officer.

Aaron Bennett, a spokesman for Ms. Pelosi, issued a statement on behalf of the Pelosi family saying: “The Pelosi family could not be prouder of their father and his tremendous courage to save his own life on the night of the attack and to testify.” in this case”.

“Speaker Pelosi and her family are immensely grateful to everyone who has sent love and prayers over the past eighteen months as Mr. Pelosi continues his recovery,” he added.

Prosecutors had asked for a sentence of 40 years. DePape’s public defenders argued for 14 years, noting that he was in trouble and had no criminal record.

DePape was sentenced to 20 years in prison in one case and 30 years in another case – both to be served concurrently. He will be given credit for the 18 months he has already spent in custody.

Testifying in court, DePape admitted that he broke into Pelosi’s San Francisco home on October 28, 2022 and that he wanted to take the then-speaker hostage and “break her kneecaps” if she lied to him. He also admitted to hitting Paul Pelosi, then 82, with a hammer after police showed up at the residence. He said his plan to end government corruption was failing.

As Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley announced the verdicts, DePape remained silent, sometimes looking down from where he stood. The judge found that he had entered the home of an officer.

“He actually went to the home, which is completely, completely unprecedented,” she said.

The attack was captured on police camera video just days before the 2022 midterm elections.

More to come…

The Associated Press contributed to this report