DOJ seeking 40-year sentence for man who assaulted Nancy Pelosi’s husband

The Department of Justice is seeking a 40-year prison sentence for the man who assaulted former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband in 2022. 

Federal prosecutors argued that David DePape, who broke into Ms. Pelosi’s home and attacked her husband, Paul Pelosi, with a hammer, should face the maximum penalties for his pair of convictions. 

The prosecutors contended that while Mr. DePape was not convicted of terrorism, his acts and sentencing should ultimately reflect “the nature and circumstances of the offense.” 

Mr. DePape was convicted last year on federal assault and attempted kidnapping charges. Following his arrest in 2022, it was discovered that Mr. DePape was an avid supporter of far-right conspiracy theories. 

Mr. DePape entered the Pelosis’ home on Oct. 28, 2022, in a bid to find the former speaker, who was in Washington at the time. Instead, he found Mr. Pelosi, whom he bludgeoned with a hammer before being arrested. 

He testified that he had planned to break into the Pelosis’ home, hold Ms. Pelosi hostage and interrogate the former speaker, and noted that if he thought she was lying, then he would “break her kneecaps.” 

“He wanted to teach her a lesson,” prosecutors wrote in the court filing. “The violent lessons that the defendant wanted to teach are not permitted in this country.”

“At a time when extremism has led to attacks on public and elected officials, this case presents a moment to speak to others harboring ideologically motivated violent dreams and plans,” they continued. “This case presents strong deterrent value to say that violent ideological attacks will be punished to the full extent of the law.” 

Mr. DePape’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 17.