On Friday, May 17th, a man who attacked the husband of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi with a hammer was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison by a federal court.
On October 28, 2022, a man named David DePape broke into Pelosi’s home in California and struck Paul Pelosi’s head with a hammer. This attack resulted in Paul suffering a fractured skull and other serious injuries.
Prosecutors stated that DePape was looking for Pelosi at the time and told authorities that he planned to kidnap her and “break her knees.” Pelosi was not at home during the incident.
DePape was found guilty in November 2023 of attempting to kidnap a federal official or employee and assaulting a direct family member of a federal official. He pleaded not guilty.
On Friday, Judge Jacqueline Corley sentenced DePape to 30 years in prison for the assault charge and 20 years for the attempted kidnapping charge. These sentences are to be served concurrently. DePape had already been held in custody for about 18 months, which will be credited towards his sentence.
DePape’s lawyer did not immediately respond to requests for comment. DePape still faces state charges and has maintained his plea of not guilty.
Court documents revealed that DePape smashed a glass door with a hammer to enter Pelosi’s home and then asked Paul where his wife was, demanding to see her. However, she was in Washington D.C. at the time.
At 2:23 am, Paul called 911 from the bathroom, reporting an unknown man in the house. Police arrived 8 minutes later and witnessed DePape pulling out a hammer from his backpack and swinging it towards Paul’s head.
Authorities found zip ties inside Pelosi’s home and tape and another hammer in DePape’s backpack.