Man sentenced to 30 years for attempted kidnapping of Nancy Pelosi
David DePape, 44, was sentenced to 30 years in prison for attempting to kidnap then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and attacking her husband with a hammer. The sentencing was handed down by Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley, after DePape was found guilty of attempted kidnapping of a federal official and assault on the immediate family member of a federal official.
Prosecutors had asked for a 40-year prison term, but DePape received 20 years for one count and 30 years for another count. The sentences will run concurrently, with credit given for the 18 months he has already spent in custody. DePape stood silently as the sentence was handed down, as his public defense attorneys had requested a lesser sentence of 14 years, citing his difficult time in life and lack of criminal history.
Before the sentencing, victim statements from Nancy Pelosi’s father and mother were read by Christine Pelosis, describing how the violent attack had impacted their lives. DePape admitted during trial testimony to breaking into the Pelosis’ San Francisco home with the intention of holding the speaker hostage and attacking her husband with a hammer. Defense attorneys argued that DePape’s actions were motivated by his political beliefs, not an attempt to interfere with Nancy Pelosi’s official duties.
DePape, a Canadian who moved to the U.S. more than 20 years ago, had posted conspiracy theories online and planned to record his interrogation of Nancy Pelosi while wearing an inflatable unicorn costume. The attack on Paul Pelosi resulted in serious injuries, including skull fractures and injuries to his arm and hand.
DePape is also facing charges in state court for assault with a deadly weapon, elder abuse, and residential burglary. Jury selection for that trial is expected to begin soon.
