A man sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for attacking Nancy Pelosi’s husband with a hammer inside their San Francisco home is now facing state charges, including attempted murder. David DePape, 44, was found guilty of attempting to hold Pelosi hostage and assaulting her husband, Paul Pelosi, after breaking into their home in October 2022.
The federal jury sentenced DePape to 30 years in prison for the attack. The state trial began with Assistant San Francisco District Attorney Sean Connolly highlighting the vulnerability of the elderly, as Paul Pelosi was 82 at the time of the assault. Connolly emphasized the sanctity of one’s home and the horror of being attacked while asleep.
DePape’s defense attorney, Adam Lipson, revealed that DePape had been isolating himself and falling into conspiracy theories leading up to the attack. Lipson explained that DePape believed he could speak to fairies and read minds, indicating a mental health condition.
During the trial, DePape admitted to planning to hold Nancy Pelosi hostage and interrogate her. He also revealed his intention to record the interrogation in an inflatable unicorn costume. The attack left Paul Pelosi with severe injuries, including a skull fracture and damage to his arm and hand.
DePape’s defense team argued for a lighter sentence, citing his mental health issues and lack of criminal history. Despite this, DePape was sentenced to 30 years for the assault on Paul Pelosi and 20 years for attempting to kidnap Nancy Pelosi. The shocking case has sent shockwaves through the political world and raised questions about mental health and extremism.