By David DePape, the man previously sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for attacking Paul Pelosi, husband of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, has been found guilty of additional charges in a state court. This verdict, delivered by a San Francisco jury on Friday, could potentially result in a life sentence for DePape.
The state court convicted DePape of aggravated kidnapping, first-degree burglary, false imprisonment of an elder, and threatening a family member of a public official. These charges come on top of his federal convictions for assaulting a federal official’s family member and attempting to kidnap a federal official.
The case stems from the October 2022 incident where DePape broke into the Pelosi residence in San Francisco and attacked Paul Pelosi with a hammer, causing severe injuries. The attack sent shockwaves through the political community and raised concerns about the safety of elected officials and their families.
During the state trial, DePape’s public defender, Adam Lipson, conceded guilt on three of the charges but argued that prosecutors had not presented sufficient evidence for the charges of threatening a family member of a public official and aggravated kidnapping. These two charges were added by prosecutors in late May, as DePape’s federal trial was concluding.
The federal sentencing of 30 years came after an unusual resentencing hearing due to a judicial error. It’s worth noting that DePape, a Canadian citizen, will likely face deportation after serving his sentence.
This state conviction adds another layer of legal consequences for DePape. The aggravated kidnapping charge, in particular, carries the potential for a life sentence, which could significantly extend DePape’s time behind bars beyond the federal sentence.
The case has continued to draw attention not only for its high-profile nature but also for its implications regarding political violence and the security of public officials. It underscores the serious legal ramifications for attacks on political figures and their families.
As the legal proceedings against DePape conclude, the incident remains a stark reminder of the potential dangers faced by public figures and the severe consequences for those who engage in politically motivated violence.
