A federal judge has decided to reopen the sentencing hearing for David DePape, who broke into Nancy Pelosi’s San Francisco home and assaulted her husband with a hammer. District Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley imposed a 20-year sentence for the attempted kidnapping of Pelosi and a 30-year sentence for the assault on her husband, Paul Pelosi. The judge acknowledged that she made an error by not allowing DePape to speak before being sentenced, as required by law. A new hearing has been scheduled for May 28 to allow him to make a statement before his sentence is finalized.
Following the sentencing, prosecutors filed a motion noting that the court failed to give DePape an opportunity to speak or present any information to mitigate the sentence. They requested that the sentencing hearing be reopened to correct this error. DePape’s defense attorneys, however, opposed bringing their client back to court. DePape’s defense team has appealed the verdict, and they were given until Wednesday to respond to the judge’s order to reopen the sentencing hearing.
DePape, 44, was found guilty in November of attempted kidnapping of a federal official and assault on the immediate family member of a federal official. The attack on Paul Pelosi, captured on police body camera video, resulted in severe injuries including a skull fracture that required plates and screws to mend. DePape admitted to breaking into the Pelosis’ home with the intention of holding Nancy Pelosi hostage and forcing her to admit to corruption. He also admitted to assaulting Paul Pelosi with a hammer when police arrived, citing his belief in government corruption and a desire to end it.
During the trial, DePape, a Canadian who has lived in the U.S. for over 20 years, expressed his belief that news outlets were lying about former President Donald Trump. He subscribed to the baseless QAnon conspiracy theory that alleges a cabal of pedophiles controls the U.S. government. Judge Corley stated that she believes DePape still poses a danger to society and that his actions could have a chilling effect on individuals seeking elected office in the future. She emphasized that breaking into an elected official’s private home is a serious offense, distinct from other criminal acts such as the January 6 Capitol attack.
Corley mentioned that DePape is currently in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and will be deported upon completing his sentence. The attack on Paul Pelosi highlighted the potential risks faced by public officials and their families, underscoring the importance of safeguarding their security. The decision to reopen the sentencing hearing reflects the judge’s commitment to upholding the legal process and ensuring that all parties have the opportunity to present information before a final ruling is made.
