SAN FRANCISCO, USA – David DePape, the man who attacked Paul Pelosi in his home, has been found guilty by a San Francisco jury of assault and attempted kidnapping of a federal official.
The verdict, handed down on Thursday, November 17, 2023, relates to the attack on the husband of former US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi, which resulted in serious injuries, including a fractured skull.
The conviction, delivered at the Phillip Burton Federal Courthouse, follows a week-long trial that culminated in a unanimous decision.
DePape, visibly emotional during the trial, now faces up to 50 years in prison for his actions.
The attack, which occurred on October 28 last year, saw DePape breaking into the Pelosi residence in San Francisco. Armed with a hammer, he inquired about Mrs. Pelosi, who was not present at the time.
Body camera footage from responding officers showed a tense standoff, ending with DePape striking Mr. Pelosi with the hammer.
Testimony in court revealed DePape’s motivations, steeped in right-wing conspiracy theories. His court-appointed lawyer, Jodi Linker, argued that DePape’s actions were driven by these beliefs rather than a direct intention to target Mrs. Pelosi’s governmental role.
Prosecutors painted a different picture, portraying DePape as an individual on a violent mission, evidenced by his possession of zip ties and duct tape, and his admission of having a “target list.”
DePape had expressed intentions to hold Mrs. Pelosi captive and coerce her into revealing “the truth” under threat of violence.
In his testimony, Mr. Pelosi recounted the harrowing experience, emphasizing the immediate sense of danger he felt upon encountering DePape.
The incident has drawn significant attention, not least because of Mrs. Pelosi’s prominent political position at the time.
In addition to the federal charges, DePape faces separate state charges, including attempted murder and residential burglary. These charges could potentially lead to a life sentence.
DePape has pleaded not guilty to these charges, though he tearfully apologised for his actions during his testimony in court on Tuesday.
The statement from Mrs. Pelosi’s office, released following the verdict, highlighted Mr. Pelosi’s bravery and composure both during the attack and in the courtroom. It also noted his ongoing recovery, with the office refraining from further comment due to the ongoing state proceedings.
