Man who attacked Nancy Pelosi’s husband with hammer sentenced to 30 years in prison

The man who attacked former Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband with a hammer in their San Francisco home has been sentenced to 30 years in prison.

David DePape, 44, was found guilty in November of attempted kidnapping of a federal official and assault on the immediate family member of a federal official.

Aaron Bennett, a spokesperson Ms Pelosi, issued a statement on behalf of the Pelosi family, saying that “The Pelosi family couldn’t be prouder of their Pop and his tremendous courage in saving his own life on the night of the attack and in testifying in this case”.

“Speaker Pelosi and her family are immensely grateful to all who have sent love and prayers over the last eighteen months, as Mr. Pelosi continues his recovery,” he added.

Prosecutors had argued for a sentence of 40 years. DePape’s public defence attorneys argued for 14 years, noting that he faced hardship and didn’t have any previous criminal history.

DePape was handed a sentence of 20 years for one count and 30 years for another – they will be served concurrently. He has been credited for the 18 months he has already spent in custody.

As he testified at trial, DePape admitted that he broke into the Pelosis San Francisco home on 28 October 2022, that he was set to take the then-speaker hostage and “break her kneecaps” if she lied to him. He also admitted to striking Paul Pelosi, 82 at the time, with a hammer after police appeared at the residence. He said his plan to put a stop to what he saw as government corruption was coming apart.

As Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley handed down the sentences, DePape was silent, sometimes looking down where he stood. The judge noted that he entered the home of a public official.

“He actually went to the home, that is completely, completely unprecedented,” she said.

The attack was captured on police body camera video, taking place just days before the 2022 midterms.

In a letter to the judge, Mr Pelosi outlined the attack, writing about how he was “awakened by a large violent man holding a hammer and zip ties” yelling “where’s Nancy?”

Mr Pelosi said he was followed by DePape even after he became aware that Ms Pelosi was in Washington DC.

“He kept me hostage in my own home saying he would wait for her,” he wrote.

“He threatened me, saying he would tie me up and wait for my wife. He repeatedly said that he could ‘take me out’,” he added.