David DePape receives life imprisonment for politically motivated assault on Paul Pelosi, highlighting the judicial system’s stance against such violence.
At a Glance
- David DePape was sentenced to life in prison without parole for attacking Paul Pelosi.
- The attack was politically motivated and took place in San Francisco.
- DePape was convicted of multiple charges, including aggravated kidnapping.
- Pelosi family views the verdict as a deterrent against political violence.
Life Sentence for DePape
San Francisco Superior Court sentenced David DePape to life imprisonment without parole for his assault on Paul Pelosi, husband of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. DePape was found guilty on several charges, among them aggravated kidnapping, first-degree burglary, and false imprisonment of an elder. Judge Harry Dorfman emphasized DePape’s permanent incarceration by declaring he can “never be paroled.”
During the trial, DePape acknowledged plans to target Nancy Pelosi, further underscoring the assault’s political motivations. The attack, carried out in October 2022, resulted in serious injuries to Paul Pelosi, including a skull fracture and nerve damage.
David DePape, the man who attacked Nancy Pelosi’s husband in their San Francisco home two years ago, was sentenced to life without parole on his state conviction. https://t.co/BnVOaQeEO5
— NBC Bay Area (@nbcbayarea) October 30, 2024
Political Impact
Paul Pelosi’s family welcomed the sentence, viewing it as a statement against political violence. “Today’s sentence of life without parole gives our Pop some measure of legal justice and, we hope, a message to others that political violence against elected officials or their family members will not be tolerated, minimized or condoned,” stated the Pelosi family.
The attack, captured on police body cameras, drew attention to the rising threat of political violence. San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins stressed the significance of Curtailing such aggression to safeguard democracy.
1/ Today, DA @BrookeJenkinsSF announced that David DePape was sentenced to a term of life in prison w/out parole following his conviction on aggravated kidnapping + other charges in connection to brutally attacking Speaker Emerita Pelosi’s, Paul Pelosi, husband in their home. https://t.co/6DIprtfAbc pic.twitter.com/KRPRVXUkam
— SF DISTRICT ATTORNEY (@SFDAOffice) October 29, 2024
Case Details and Future Implications
Beyond the life sentence in state court, DePape was also sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for related offenses, with both sentences to run concurrently. His defense plans to appeal the result, arguing overlapping charges between state and federal prosecutors. The incident raised awareness about security risks facing public figures and their families, prompting discussions on political violence protection measures.
“We cannot allow political violence to become normalized and we must take swift action to ensure there are serious consequences for those who will utilize violence to intimidate or stifle our elected leaders for doing what they have been elected to do.” – Brooke Jenkins
This verdict delivers a clear message against politically motivated attacks and shines a spotlight on the judiciary’s commitment to preventing such violence. Amid an increasing number of threats made against political figures, the Pelosi incident underscores the potential dangers political families face daily.
Sources:
- Man Who Attacked Paul Pelosi Is Sentenced to Life in Prison
- Paul Pelosi Attacker David DePape Receives Life in Prison
