Federal prosecutors are urging a judge to impose a 40-year prison sentence for the individual who broke into the San Francisco home of former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi with intentions of holding her hostage and subsequently attacked her husband with a hammer. The incident, which occurred in October 2022, has prompted prosecutors to request a lengthy sentence for the perpetrator.
According to court documents, prosecutors have emphasized that the defendant, who has been identified as David DePape, has displayed a lack of remorse for his actions during the attack. They argue that DePape's behavior and lack of contrition do not warrant leniency in sentencing.
DePape was found guilty last year of attempted kidnapping of a federal official and assault on a family member of a federal official. The sentencing hearing for DePape is scheduled to take place soon, where the prosecution will push for the 40-year prison term.
The assault on Pelosi's husband, Paul Pelosi, who was 82 years old at the time of the attack, was captured on police body camera footage just days before the midterm elections, causing significant shockwaves in the political sphere.
During trial testimony, DePape admitted to breaking into the Pelosi residence with the intention of holding the speaker hostage and inflicting harm if she did not comply with his demands. He also confessed to using a hammer to assault Paul Pelosi after law enforcement arrived at the scene, citing his frustration with what he perceived as government corruption.
Defense attorneys representing DePape argued that his actions were motivated by his political beliefs and involvement in conspiracy theories. Nancy Pelosi was not present at the residence during the attack, while Paul Pelosi sustained serious injuries, including a skull fracture that required surgical intervention with plates and screws to mend. Additionally, his right arm and hand were injured during the assault, leaving lasting physical repercussions.
