David DePape: Prosecutors seek 40-year terrorism sentence for man convicted in Paul Pelosi's hammer attack

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES: The federal Department of Justice is advocating for a 40-year prison term for David DePape, who was found guilty of assaulting Paul Pelosi. 

They are pursuing a "terrorism enhancement" to increase the duration of the perpetrator's incarceration. 

To provide context, DePape attacked Paul Pelosi, the spouse of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, with a hammer during a burglary at the couple's San Francisco residence on October 28,  2022.

As reported by People, Paul is anticipated to fully recover from the hammer assault he endured in 2022, despite sustaining a fractured skull and other significant injuries. On the day of the attack, he underwent successful surgery to mend his skull, with Nancy disclosing that he faced a "long recovery" ahead.

What did the US attorney report?

According to the New York Post, lawyers from the United States urged a court in California on Friday to give David DePape more than the 25 years recommended by the federal Probation Office. DePape, who is 44 years old, is not accused of terrorism.

In his sentencing memorandum, US Attorney Ismail J Ramsey argued, "The violent lessons that the defendant wanted to teach are not permitted in this country." 

Ramsey further asserted, "Defendant intended to promote a federal crime of terrorism and therefore, the terrorism enhancement should apply here."

What happened during the trial in November?

During the week-long trial that commenced in November 2023,  DePape testified, stating that his initial intention was to locate Nancy Pelosi, the wife of Paul Pelosi, to discuss Russia's involvement in the 2016 election. 

Contrarily, federal prosecutors alleged that DePape unlawfully entered the residence around 2 a.m. with the intent to harm Nancy Pelosi, but instead encountered a sleeping Paul Pelosi in the couple's bedroom, as the former House Speaker was in Washington DC at the time.  

Jurors found DePape guilty of attempted kidnapping of a federal official and assault on a federal official's immediate family member, motivated by retaliation for the performance of their duties. 

Additionally, jurors confirmed the claim that DePape used a dangerous weapon during the assault. 

DePape did not contest the attack and tearfully expressed remorse to Pelosi during his testimony on November 14, stating, "He was never my target and I’m sorry he got hurt." 

He explained that he reacted impulsively when his plan was thwarted, adding that he desired President Joe Biden to pardon his intended targets "so we can move forward as a country." 

DePape appeared visibly distraught as the verdict was delivered, with his hands clasped in front of him. 

According to the New York Post, "His eyes started blinking and his attorney placed his hands on him and they spoke for a while."