CRIME
David DePape Convicted On Federal Charges For Paul Pelosi Hammer Attack
San Francisco Chronicle
David DePape on Thursday was convicted by a federal jury of attacking Paul Pelosi, husband of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, after breaking into the couple’s home in San Francisco.
DePape, 43, was unanimously convicted on one federal count of attempted kidnapping of a federal official and one count of assault on the immediate family member of a federal official. He faces maximum sentences of 20 years and 30 years, respectively.
He still faces state charges of attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, elder abuse, residential burglary, false imprisonment and threatening the life or serious bodily harm to a public official. That trial is scheduled to begin later this month.
Pelosi, 83, sustained a fractured skull in the attack on Oct. 28, 2022, along with injuries to his hand and arm. He underwent surgery to repair the skull fracture, and was hospitalized for several days.
Defense attorneys for DePape conceded that he broke into the Pelosis’ Pacific Heights home, and that he attacked Paul Pelosi with a hammer, striking him in the head. Nancy Pelosi was not at the residence at the time.
Instead, they argued that DePape was not trying to kidnap anyone, and was not motivated by Nancy Pelosi’s work in Congress directly. Rather, DePape testified that he was attempting to have the Pelosis help him reach other targets, one of whom was identified as feminist scholar Gayle Rubin.
In a statement following the verdict Thursday, the Pelosi family said Paul Pelosi continues to make progress in his recovery.
The Pelosi family is very proud of their Pop, who demonstrated extraordinary composure and courage on the night of the attack a year ago and in the courtroom this week, the statement read.
Speaker Pelosi and her family are deeply grateful for the outpouring of prayers and warm wishes for Mr. Pelosi from so many across the country during this difficult time.
TMX contributed to this article.
