San Francisco, California – A man who broke into the home of former Speaker Nancy Pelosi and attacked her husband with a hammer has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole on state charges in California. David DePape, a Canadian citizen who has lived in the US for two decades, was also convicted on federal charges in May, resulting in a separate 30-year prison sentence to be served concurrently.
In the state trial, a San Francisco jury found DePape guilty of kidnapping, first-degree burglary, and false imprisonment of an elder. The brutal attack left Paul Pelosi, now 84, hospitalized for six days with a fractured skull and other injuries. The Pelosi family expressed relief after the sentencing, stating that “legal justice has been served.”
The family disclosed that they continue to be haunted by the violent break-in that occurred two years ago, emphasizing the traumatic impact of the assault and the ongoing fear of potential future attacks. They hope DePape’s sentence serves as a stark warning that political violence against elected officials or their relatives will not be condoned.
Despite DePape’s lawyer planning to appeal against the ruling, Judge Harry Dorfman made it clear during the sentencing that he has no sympathy for DePape. The judge underscored that his priority is ensuring DePape never gets out of prison or is eligible for parole, especially given the severity of the crime and the significant harm inflicted upon Mr. Pelosi.
Video footage from the incident revealed DePape breaking into the Pelosi residence armed with a hammer, demanding the whereabouts of Mrs. Pelosi. When law enforcement responded to a 911 call, they found both Mr. Pelosi and DePape holding onto the weapon. Subsequently, DePape proceeded to assault Mr. Pelosi until he was subdued by officers, sustaining multiple injuries in the process.
During the federal trial, DePape confessed to intending to hold Mrs. Pelosi hostage and coerce a false confession from her under threat of violence. The attack left Mr. Pelosi with lasting nerve damage and a profound fear of being alone at home. DePape’s rambling speech about conspiracy theories during the state trial further emphasized the dangerous extremist beliefs driving his violent actions.