Life Sentence For DePape After Politically-Motivated Attack

Prison watchtower and fence viewed through chain-link fence.

David DePape received a life sentence for the violent assault on Paul Pelosi, bringing political violence concerns to the forefront.

At a Glance

David DePape sentenced to life without parole for attacking Paul Pelosi.
DePape had previously received a 30-year federal sentence for the same attack.
The assault was captured on police body cam just before midterm elections.
Pelosi family hopes verdict deters future political violence.
DePape’s bizarre claims and lack of remorse noted in courtroom.

Case Details and Sentencing

David DePape was sentenced to life imprisonment without parole for assaulting Paul Pelosi, the spouse of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Judge Harry Dorfman emphasized the severity of the attack, noting DePape’s lack of remorse and drastic actions. The decision follows DePape’s earlier 30-year federal sentence on federal charges, affirming the court’s stance on preventing future political violence.

Impact of the Attack

The attack, which injured Paul Pelosi severely, has sparked a conversation about the safety of political figures. The assault involved a hammer and was captured on police body camera, highlighting its brutality. Paul suffered serious injuries such as a skull fracture and nerve damage. He shared how the attack profoundly affected his daily life and the family’s ongoing security concerns.

“Since the violent break-in and shout of “Where’s Nancy?” two years ago, not a day goes by that we do not think of this devastating assault, its trauma—or the possibility of future attacks. 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. We must each do our part to build a peaceful democracy,” read a statement from Pelosi family.

Community and Legal Response

The court’s decision reflects a strong stance against political violence. San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins cited the need for serious consequences, advocating against political violence normalization. DePape’s defense plans to appeal, citing mental health issues and alleged double jeopardy. Community leaders stress that neither fear nor violence should overshadow democratic processes.

“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,” said Brooke Jenkins, the district attorney of San Francisco, in a statement.