The man convicted of trying to kidnap then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and attacking her husband with a hammer is scheduled to be sentenced in federal court on Friday.
Jurors in November convicted David DePaap, 44, of attempted kidnapping of a federal officer and assault on a relative of a federal officer.
Prosecutors asked Judge Jacqueline Scott Coley to sentence him to 40 years in prison.
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Depape admitted during trial testimony They allegedly broke into Pelosi’s San Francisco home on October 28, 2022, and took the speaker hostage, intending to “break her kneecaps” if she lied.
He also admitted to beating Paul Pelosi with a hammer after police showed up and said plans to end what he sees as government corruption are fraying.
The attack on Paul Pelosi, who was 82 years old at the time, caught on police body camera video Sent days before midterm elections Shock runs through the political world.
The defense argued that Depaap was motivated by his own political beliefs and not because he wanted to interfere with the Speaker’s official duties as a member of parliament, and the charges against him were dismissed.
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One of his lawyers, Angela Chuan, said: closing argument Depaupe was caught up in conspiracy theories.
DePaap, a Canadian who immigrated to the United States more than 20 years ago, testified in court that she believed the news media repeatedly lied about former President Donald Trump.
In rants posted on blogs and online forums that have since been deleted since his arrest, DePap has criticized the baseless right-wing conspiracy theory QAnon, which claims that a cabal of Satan-worshiping pedophiles runs the U.S. government. repeated.
Mr. DePape, also wearing an inflatable unicorn costume, told jurors that he planned to record an interrogation of the Democratic Party chairman, who was not home at the time of the attack, and upload it online.
Prosecutors said he was in possession of rope and zip ties, and detectives said they found a body camera, computer and tablet.
Paul Pelosi also testified at the trial, recalling how she was woken up by a large man who barged into her bedroom and asked, “Where’s Nancy?” When she replied that her wife was in Washington, DePape said he offered to tie her up while he waited for her.
Chris Kleponis – CNP/MEGA
“It was a huge shock when I realized someone had broken into my house, and I looked at him, I saw the hammer and the tie, and I knew I was in grave danger. , tried to remain as calm as possible,” Pelosi told jurors.
Pelosi suffered two head injuries in the attack, including a fractured skull, which was repaired with plates and screws that will remain with her for the rest of her life. His right arm and hand were also injured.
DePape is also charged in state court with assault with a deadly weapon, elder abuse, burglary and other felonies. Jury selection for the trial is scheduled to begin May 22.
