The conspiracy theorist who attempted to kidnap Nancy Pelosi and attacked her husband with a hammer has been jailed for 30 years.
David DePape, 44, broke into the Pelosis’ home in October 2022 and attacked Paul Pelosi, 84, leaving him in hospital for six days with a fractured skull.
Mrs Pelosi, the former US House Speaker, had asked for a lengthy sentence for DePape, who was found guilty by jurors after a six-day trial last November. She was not at the property at the time of the attack.
On Wednesday, DePape was given 20 years for one count and 30 years for another count, to run concurrently, at a San Francisco court.
"The Pelosi family couldn't be prouder of their Pop and his tremendous courage in saving his own life on the night of the attack and in testifying in this case," a Pelosi family spokesperson said in a statement.
"Speaker Pelosi and her family are immensely grateful to all who have sent love and prayers over the last eighteen months, as Mr Pelosi continues his recovery."
DePape admitted during trial that he had intended to hold the speaker hostage and "break her kneecaps" if she lied to him.
He also admitted to bludgeoning Paul Pelosi with a hammer after police showed up, saying he did so because his plan to end what he claimed was government corruption was unravelling.
The attack on Paul Pelosi, who was 82 at the time, was captured on police body camera video came just days before the US midterm elections.
In mitigation, his defence argued DePape was motivated by his political beliefs, not because he wanted to interfere with Nancy Pelosi's official duties as a member of Congress, and that he had been caught up in conspiracy theories.
At trial DePape, a Canadian who moved to the US more than 20 years ago, testified that he believed news outlets repeatedly lied about former President Donald Trump.
He told jurors he subscribed to the baseless right-wing QAnon conspiracy theory that a cabal of devil-worshipping paedophiles runs the US government.
DePape also told jurors he had planned to wear an inflatable unicorn costume and record his interrogation of the Democratic speaker, who was not at the home at the time of the attack, to upload it online.
DePape is also charged in state court with assault with a deadly weapon, elder abuse, and residential burglary. Jury selection in that trial is expected to start Wednesday.
Paul Pelosi suffered two head wounds in the attack, including a skull fracture that was mended with plates and screws he will have for the rest of his life.
His right arm and hand were also injured.
