Man who assaulted ex-Speaker Nancy Pelosi's husband with a hammer to be sentenced

David DePape, the man convicted of attempting to kidnap then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and attacking her husband with a hammer, is set to be sentenced in federal court on Friday. In November, jurors found DePape guilty of attempted kidnapping of a federal official and assault on the immediate family member of a federal official. Prosecutors have requested a 40-year prison term from Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley. DePape confessed during trial testimony that he broke into the Pelosis’ San Francisco home in October 2022, with plans to hold Nancy Pelosi hostage and inflict harm on her if necessary. He also admitted to assaulting Paul Pelosi with a hammer when authorities intervened, as he felt his mission to expose government corruption was falling apart. The CCTV footage of the attack on Paul Pelosi, who was 82 years old at the time, quickly made headlines just days before the midterm elections, sending shockwaves through the political arena. DePape's defense team argued that his actions were driven by his political beliefs rather than a desire to disrupt the speaker's official obligations as a member of Congress, making the charges against him unjust. Angela Chuang, one of his attorneys, asserted during closing arguments that DePape had become entangled in conspiracy theories, leading to his extreme actions. DePape, originally from Canada but living in the U.S. for over two decades, stated at trial that he believed mainstream media outlets were dishonest about former President Donald Trump. His online rants, aligned with the baseless QAnon conspiracy theory, depicted a belief in a clandestine group of malevolent pedophiles dominating the U.S. government. DePape disclosed to the jury that he had intended to wear an inflatable unicorn costume while recording his interrogation of the absent Democratic speaker, planning to share the footage online. Prosecutors revealed that DePape was carrying rope, zip ties, body cameras, a computer, and a tablet during the intrusion. Paul Pelosi also testified during the trial, recounting the harrowing experience of waking up to a stranger in their bedroom demanding to know Nancy's whereabouts. Pelosi recalled his fear upon seeing the intruder, especially the hammer and restraints, understanding the imminent danger he was in. The attack left Pelosi with severe head injuries, including a fractured skull that necessitated surgical repair with plates and screws, leaving lasting physical scars on his arm and hand. DePape faces additional charges in state court, including assault with a deadly weapon, elder abuse, residential burglary, and other serious offenses. The jury selection for this trial is scheduled to commence on May 22. The overarching motive behind DePape's violent actions stems from his deeply entrenched political convictions and eagerness to confront perceived governmental corruption. His belief in unfounded conspiracy theories drove him to launch a brazen attack on the Pelosis, causing significant physical harm and emotional distress to an innocent family. The impending sentencing will mark a crucial juncture in the judicial process, determining the severity of DePape's punishment for his egregious crimes that disrupted the lives of high-profile public figures and shook the nation's political landscape. https://therealcrimediary.com/man-who-assaulted-ex-speaker-nancy-pelosis-husband-with-a-hammer-to-be-sentenced/?feed_id=54639&_unique_id=665bc4742d6e5

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