David DePape was convicted on five charges in a state trial for breaking into Nancy Pelosi’s home in 2022 and attacking her husband with a hammer. He had previously been convicted in federal court and received a 30-year sentence. The state jury found him guilty of first-degree burglary, false imprisonment, threatening the family of a public official, kidnapping, and dissuading a witness. He now faces a life sentence without parole in state prison after serving his federal term.
Throughout the trials, Mr. DePape admitted to breaking into Ms. Pelosi’s home and attacking her husband. His lawyer in the state case argued that while some charges were valid, others were not proven beyond a reasonable doubt. Mr. DePape was said to have been influenced by online conspiracy theories, leading him to believe in a child rape conspiracy involving prominent individuals. The prosecution painted a darker picture, describing his actions as part of an elaborate plan to kill Mr. Pelosi in a “reign of terror.”
The Pelosi family expressed admiration for Mr. Pelosi’s bravery during and after the attack. Phoebe Maffei, an assistant district attorney, emphasized the severity of Mr. Pelosi’s injuries, stating that he nearly died as a result of the attack. Mr. DePape’s public defenders argued in the federal trial that the charges did not apply because he believed Ms. Pelosi was part of a corrupt scheme, not because of her official duties.
Mr. DePape’s mental state was called into question, with his lawyer citing his isolation, conspiracy theories, and mental illness as contributing factors. He had been living illegally in the Bay Area for decades and had become increasingly reclusive after a relationship breakup. The judge in the state case expelled a supporter of Mr. DePape from the courtroom for trying to assert his innocence, ensuring a fair trial for all involved.
The incident took place in the early hours of October 28, 2022, when Mr. DePape broke into the Pelosi residence with a hammer and zip ties, intending to kidnap Ms. Pelosi. He confronted Mr. Pelosi, who managed to call 911 without alerting the intruder. Police arrived to find a struggle between the two men, with Mr. DePape ultimately hitting Mr. Pelosi with the hammer. Mr. Pelosi suffered two skull fractures and spent time in the hospital and in physical therapy following the attack.
At his sentencing, Mr. DePape apologized for his actions and claimed a mental decline as a factor. He expressed remorse and pledged to avoid violence in the future. The case highlighted concerns of politically motivated violence in a divided America and the influence of conspiracy theories on individuals like Mr. DePape. The verdict reflected the gravity of the attack and the impact it had on the Pelosi family.
