Prosecutors are pushing for a 40-year prison sentence for David Wayne DePape, the assailant who broke into the home of former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and assaulted her husband with a hammer. DePape was convicted on federal offenses last year, with prosecutors categorizing his actions as a crime of terrorism.
In a sentencing memorandum filed in U.S. District Court in San Francisco, prosecutors argued that DePape exhibited no remorse and therefore should receive the maximum penalties for each of the two counts he was convicted of. The memorandum emphasized the need to send a strong message against ideologically motivated violence, especially at a time when extremism has led to attacks on public officials.
DePape was found guilty by a federal court jury of attempting to kidnap Nancy Pelosi and assaulting her husband, Paul Pelosi, in November. Prosecutors recommended the maximum jail term for each count, totaling 40 years behind bars. They cited the federal definition of terrorism, stating that DePape's offenses were calculated to influence or affect the conduct of government through intimidation or coercion.
The attack occurred in the early hours of October 28, 2022, when DePape forced his way into the Pelosi residence in San Francisco and assaulted Paul Pelosi with a hammer. Despite Nancy Pelosi's absence from home at the time, her husband suffered skull fractures and other injuries, requiring hospitalization for several days.
Evidence presented during the trial revealed DePape's embrace of far-right conspiracy theories, particularly those propagated by the extremist QAnon movement. Testimony from DePape himself indicated his intention to kidnap Nancy Pelosi and inflict harm if she was found to be untruthful.
Prosecutors underscored DePape's lack of remorse, referencing his own trial testimony and public statements expressing regret for not causing more harm during the attack. They argued that the severity of the crime, combined with the need to deter similar acts, justified the harshest possible sentence.
DePape also faces separate state charges, including attempted murder, stemming from the same incident. These charges carry a potential sentence of 13 years to life in prison, to which DePape has pleaded not guilty.
As sentencing approaches, the case serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers posed by ideologically motivated violence and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.