A federal judge has granted a motion to reopen the sentencing in the case against David DePape, who was convicted of the 2022 attack on House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi’s husband, Paul, because he was not given the opportunity to speak during his original sentencing. The judge has scheduled a new sentencing hearing for May 28 at 9:30 a.m. In a motion filed by the court, it was acknowledged that a mistake was made as federal rules require the court to address the defendant personally before imposing a sentence, which did not happen in this case.
During the initial sentencing, DePape was sentenced to 30 years for assault and 20 years for attempted kidnapping, both to run concurrently, for the attack that occurred at the Pelosis’ San Francisco home. Federal prosecutors filed a motion to reopen the sentencing to give DePape a chance to speak before sentencing. DePape’s attorneys opposed the motion, but it was still granted. Additionally, a notice of appeal was filed by DePape’s attorneys regarding the judgment and sentence entered in the case.
In November, DePape was convicted in a federal court in San Francisco on charges of assault on the immediate family member of a federal official and attempted kidnapping of a federal official. While DePape’s attorneys acknowledged that he attacked Paul Pelosi, they argued that his motivations for the assault did not match the charges against him. DePape testified during the trial that he was actually looking for Nancy Pelosi and was surprised and confused when he found out she was not home.
During his testimony, DePape recounted a conversation with Paul Pelosi, stating that he had other targets in mind but would go through Pelosi if stopped. He then hit Pelosi in the head when his plan was disrupted. Pelosi underwent surgery to repair a skull fracture and injuries to his hand and arm, and he expressed the difficulties of his recovery during his testimony. It was also mentioned that a state case against DePape, which includes charges of attempted murder, burglary, and assault, is expected to go to trial later in the summer.
Overall, the case against David DePape for the attack on Nancy Pelosi’s husband, Paul, has seen a motion granted to reopen the sentencing due to a procedural error that did not allow DePape to speak before his original sentencing. DePape was convicted of assault and attempted kidnapping, and while his attorneys acknowledged his involvement in the assault, they argued that his motivations did not align with the charges. The reopening of the sentencing will provide DePape with an opportunity to speak before the judge, as required by federal rules. Additionally, a state case against DePape is also expected to go to trial later in the summer.
