San Francisco, CA – A federal judge sentenced David DePape to 30 years in prison for the assault and attempted kidnapping of Paul Pelosi, the husband of former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The violent attack took place in October 2022, leaving Paul, who was 83 at the time, with multiple injuries, including a fractured skull.
Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley, presiding over the trial in a San Francisco federal court, emphasized the severity of the offense, stating that DePape broke into the home of a public official and violently attacked their spouse. DePape received a 30-year sentence for assault and a concurrent 20-year sentence for attempted kidnapping. Additionally, he faces potential life imprisonment on separate state charges.
DePape, a Canadian citizen residing in the US for around two decades, was found guilty of attempting to kidnap Nancy Pelosi, although he confronted Paul instead. Prosecutors sought a 40-year sentence after a jury convicted DePape of assault on a federal official’s family member and attempted kidnapping of a federal official.
During the attack, DePape entered the Pelosis’ San Francisco home with a hammer, intending to harm Nancy Pelosi. When confronted by Paul and police arriving at the scene, DePape struck Paul before being detained. Body camera footage captured the entire altercation.
In court, DePape claimed he was looking for Nancy Pelosi and expressed surprise and confusion upon encountering her husband. He acknowledged hitting Paul in the head after realizing his original plan was disrupted. Following the incident, a spokesperson for the Pelosi family expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support and well wishes during Paul’s recovery.
The sentencing of DePape to 30 years in prison marks an important legal resolution to the traumatic attack on Paul Pelosi, showcasing the gravity of assault and attempted kidnapping in a federal context. The outcome underscores the importance of accountability and justice in cases of violence against public officials and their families.