David DePape, the suspect who brutally attacked Paul Pelosi with a hammer last year, has been found guilty.
On Thursday, DePape was found guilty by a jury of the assault, part of which was captured on police bodycam footage. The man broke into the San Francisco home of Nancy Pelosi and Paul on October 28th, 2022. DePape broke into the house and attacked Paul with the hammer, striking him in the head. The intruder also arrived with zip ties, which earned him an attempted kidnapping of a federal officer charge. Prosecutors claimed he broke into the home with “a violent plan to kidnap Nancy Pelosi” and “to hold her hostage.”
DePape took the stand, where he cried, claiming he only attacked Pelosi because he tried to take his hammer from him. He also issued an apology, which did not sway the jury. DePape was also charged at the federal level, with a possible punishment of up to 30 years. Additionally, he is facing state charges stemming from the attack, with that trial being announced soon. Officials believe the attack was politically motivated, as DePape immediately asked, “Where’s Nancy?” when he burst through the door of the couple’s bedroom. DePape argued he only went to the home to have a conversation with Rep. Pelosi about Russia’s involvement in the 2016 election.
After the verdict was handed down, Pelosi’s spokesperson, Aaron Bennett, expressed gratitude and the family’s appreciation of Paul for standing up to his attacker.
“The Pelosi family is very proud of their Pop, who demonstrated extraordinary composure and courage on the night of the attack a year ago and in the courtroom last week. Thankfully, Mr. Pelosi continues to make progress in his recovery,” the family’s statement read.
