David DePape, the man convicted of attacking Paul Pelosi, husband of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, in their San Francisco home, is sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The state court judge handed down the life sentence following DePape’s aggravated kidnapping conviction, which stemmed from his violent assault on Paul Pelosi in October 2022. DePape, who broke into the Pelosi residence while seeking the then-House Speaker, carried out the attack after failing to locate Nancy Pelosi. Instead, he confronted her husband, striking him with a hammer in an incident that left Paul Pelosi with severe injuries.
The recent state sentencing builds on DePape’s prior 30-year federal sentence, which was imposed in a separate federal case linked to the assault. The judge cited the gravity of DePape’s actions, noting that the attack not only endangered Paul Pelosi’s life but also targeted the democratic process, given his intent to harm Nancy Pelosi over her role in the U.S. government.
According to prosecutors, DePape had prepared to hold Nancy Pelosi hostage, motivated by a growing anger toward the political climate. He reportedly carried zip ties and other items intended for the hostage situation, underscoring the premeditated nature of his actions. When he discovered that Nancy Pelosi was not at home, DePape allegedly turned his attention to her husband, leading to a violent struggle that ended with severe injuries to Paul Pelosi, including a fractured skull that required extensive recovery.
The sentencing brings closure to a high-profile case that attracted national attention for its connection to ongoing political tensions and growing concerns about public officials’ safety. Nancy Pelosi has since expressed gratitude for the support her family has received throughout her husband’s recovery and reiterated calls for civility and respect across the political spectrum. The case has underscored the increasing risks faced by public figures and their families, drawing renewed attention to security measures for elected officials and their households.
DePape’s life sentence in the state case ensures he will remain behind bars permanently, marking a strong stance by the court against acts of politically motivated violence. Legal experts suggest that the combined sentences in both state and federal court send a clear message regarding the legal system’s approach to attacks that target or endanger public figures and their families.
