Title: Man Convicted for Attacking Nancy Pelosi’s Husband in Violent Break-In
In a landmark case that gripped the nation, David DePape, the man responsible for attacking Paul Pelosi, husband of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, during a break-in last year, has been found guilty by a federal jury. DePape was convicted of attempted kidnapping of a federal official and assault on the immediate family member of a federal official.
After seven hours of intense deliberation over two days, the jury, consisting of 12 men and three women, reached a unanimous verdict. DePape now faces the possibility of life imprisonment in a federal prison, and he still has additional state charges related to the invasion of the Pelosis’ home.
The attack, which occurred in October 2022, left Paul Pelosi with a fractured skull. Despite this harrowing experience, the Pelosi family released a statement expressing their pride in Paul’s composure and courage during the attack, as well as his ongoing recovery.
U.S. Attorney Ismail Ramsey, who prosecuted the case, hopes that the guilty verdicts will send a clear message against political violence. The trial took place amidst roadblocks and closures due to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Francisco, and nearby protests calling for a cease-fire in Gaza.
During the trial, DePape’s lead defense attorney chose not to respond to questions from reporters. DePape himself will return to federal court on December 13 for the sentencing date.
The case shed light on the disturbing impact of conspiracy theories and misinformation in modern politics, as DePape took the witness stand in his own defense and made baseless allegations and grievances, echoing far-right circles. Interestingly, DePape claimed that his true target was not Pelosi, but rather a Bay Area scholar, identified as Gayle Rubin, who is prominent in feminist theory and queer studies.
As the federal case concludes, the San Francisco District Attorney will collaborate with federal prosecutors and the victim to determine the next steps in the state case against DePape.
This conviction serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining safety and security for public officials and their families, highlighting the growing need for vigilance amidst a backdrop of rising political tensions.
