David DePape, the man convicted of attempting to kidnap former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and attacking her husband with a hammer, is scheduled to be sentenced in federal court on Friday, May 17, 2024.
DePape, 44, was found guilty in November of attempted kidnapping of a federal official and assault on the immediate family member of a federal official.
Prosecutors have requested a 40-year prison term from Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley.
During trial testimony, DePape confessed to breaking into the Pelosis’ San Francisco residence on October 28, 2022, with intentions to hold the speaker hostage and inflict harm if she misled him.
He admitted to assaulting Paul Pelosi with a hammer after police arrived, citing frustration over what he perceived as government corruption.
The attack on Paul Pelosi, aged 82 at the time, was captured on police body camera footage just days before the midterm elections, sparking widespread concern in the political sphere.
Defense attorneys argued that DePape’s actions were motivated by his political beliefs rather than a desire to interfere with Pelosi’s official duties as a member of Congress, challenging the validity of the charges against him.
During trial, DePape, a Canadian residing in the U.S. for over two decades, expressed distrust in news outlets and espoused conspiracy theories akin to QAnon.
He testified about plans to wear an inflatable unicorn costume and record his interrogation of the Democratic speaker, intending to upload it online.
Prosecutors highlighted the presence of rope, zip ties, body cameras, a computer, and a tablet in DePape’s possession, supporting their case for attempted kidnapping and assault charges.
Paul Pelosi testified at the trial, recounting the harrowing experience of being confronted by DePape in his home.
He sustained two head wounds, including a skull fracture, and injuries to his right arm and hand during the attack.
DePape also faces charges in state court, including assault with a deadly weapon, elder abuse, and residential burglary, with jury selection for that trial set to commence on May 22.
