The federal Department of Justice is seeking a 40-year prison sentence for David DePape, who was convicted of attacking the husband of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The DOJ is arguing for a “terrorism enhancement” to increase DePape’s time behind bars, despite the fact that he was not convicted of any terrorism charges. The US attorneys are pushing for a longer sentence than the 25 years recommended by the federal Probation Office.
In a sentencing memorandum, US Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey stated that the violent actions of the defendant are not permitted in the country. Ramsey argued that DePape intended to promote a federal crime of terrorism and therefore, the terrorism enhancement should apply in this case. DePape was found guilty of attempted kidnapping of a federal official and assault on the immediate family member of a federal official in November by a federal jury in San Francisco.
Police body camera footage captured DePape’s brutal hammer attack on Paul Pelosi, the congresswoman’s husband, in their San Francisco home on Oct. 28, 2022. The assault resulted in the 83-year-old sustaining a fractured skull and other serious injuries. DePape took the stand during the trial and tearfully apologized for harming Pelosi, stating that he was not his target and expressing regret for the injury caused.
DePape revealed during the trial that he had planned to target the former Speaker and other notable figures in order to get them to admit membership in a purported cabal of Satan-worshiping Democrat elites who run a global pedophile sex ring. These conspiracy theories were fueled by DePape’s allegiance to fringe political podcasts. Following his federal sentencing on May 17, DePape is set to stand trial on state charges of attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon.
In conclusion, the federal Department of Justice is advocating for a terrorism enhancement to increase David DePape’s prison sentence for his attack on Paul Pelosi, the husband of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Despite not being convicted of terrorism charges, prosecutors argue that DePape’s intent to promote a federal crime of terrorism justifies a longer sentence. The violent attack resulted in Pelosi suffering serious injuries, yet DePape tearfully apologized during his trial, expressing remorse for his actions. DePape will face federal sentencing in May, followed by a separate trial on state charges related to the incident.
