Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Hammer Attack on Paul Pelosi

The brutal assault on Paul Pelosi, husband of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, has culminated in a life sentence for David DePape following a California state trial, reflecting the severity of his violent acts.

Sentencing and Courtroom Proceedings

David DePape, who had already been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for the October 2022 attack on Paul Pelosi, received a life sentence without the possibility of parole in a San Francisco court on Tuesday. This latest sentencing followed his conviction on multiple charges, including aggravated kidnapping, first-degree burglary, and elder abuse. Presiding Judge Harry Dorfman stated, “I intend that Mr. DePape will never get out of prison.”

Before issuing the sentence, Dorfman denied a defense request for a retrial. Defense attorney Adam Lipson argued that DePape’s mental health struggles and social isolation had left him vulnerable to radical beliefs, insisting he had led a “law-abiding” life previously. However, these arguments did not alter the outcome.

An Unusual Defense

When permitted to address the court, DePape provided what many saw as a bizarre explanation. He discussed various conspiracy theories, including claims that the 9/11 attacks were staged and that his former wife had been replaced by a body double. DePape also alleged that his court-appointed attorneys were conspiring against him, stating that his psychic abilities led him to believe these theories.

Paul Pelosi’s Emotional Testimony

In a letter read aloud by his daughter Christine Pelosi, Paul Pelosi recounted the traumatic impact of the attack, calling for the maximum sentence. He detailed waking to DePape standing over him with a hammer, yelling, “Where’s Nancy?” Pelosi suffered severe injuries, including a skull fracture and nerve damage, and described ongoing psychological distress. He noted that even now, sleeping alone brings back memories of the assault.

The Federal Conviction and Double Jeopardy Debate

DePape’s attorneys argued that the state trial amounted to double jeopardy, given his previous federal sentencing on related charges. While Judge Dorfman dismissed some overlapping charges, he upheld others that were not covered in the federal case. DePape’s federal and state sentences will be served concurrently, effectively ensuring life imprisonment.

A Violent Plan Unveiled

During his federal trial, DePape confessed to planning a violent interrogation of Nancy Pelosi, stating he intended to record her responses and “break her kneecaps” if she did not admit to alleged lies about “Russiagate.” His calculated actions, fueled by conspiracy theories, drew national outrage and underscored the risks posed by politically motivated violence.

A Nation Stunned

The attack on Paul Pelosi, which occurred just days before the 2022 midterm elections, shocked the country and highlighted the dangers faced by public figures and their families. Pelosi’s recovery has been arduous, involving surgeries to repair his skull, arm, and hand, underscoring the physical and emotional toll of DePape’s actions.

David DePape, a Canadian citizen who had resided in the U.S. for years, now faces life in prison—a lasting reminder of the tragic violence that has continued to threaten the political landscape.