Man Accused of Attacking Nancy Pelosi’s Husband Apologizes, Citing Right-Wing Conspiracy Theories
In a recent trial, David DePape, the man accused of attacking former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband, expressed his apologies on Tuesday. DePape claimed that he went to the Pelosis’ home as part of a larger plot to end what he perceived as government corruption, echoing right-wing conspiracy theories.
During his testimony, DePape tearfully recounted how his political beliefs shifted from leftist to right-wing after reading a comment on a YouTube video about former President Donald Trump. He admitted to assaulting Paul Pelosi with a hammer, stating that he realized his grand plan might be unraveling.
Testimony in the trial concluded on Tuesday, and closing arguments are expected to take place on Wednesday. DePape has pleaded not guilty to charges of attempted kidnapping of a federal official and assault on a federal official’s immediate family member with the intention to retaliate against the official for the performance of their duties. His defense attorneys argue that the charges do not apply because his actions were not motivated by Nancy Pelosi’s role as a member of Congress.
The attack occurred in the early hours of October 28, 2022, just days before the midterm elections. DePape claimed that he went to the Pelosis’ home to discuss Russian involvement in the 2016 election with Nancy Pelosi. His plan involved wearing an inflatable unicorn costume and recording the interrogation to upload it online. Prosecutors revealed that DePape had rope and zip ties in his possession.
DePape testified that his intention was to force Nancy Pelosi and other targets to admit their corruption. He stated, “If she lied, I would break her kneecaps. The choice is on her.” He also expressed his desire for President Joe Biden to pardon the targets, enabling the country to move forward.
During Monday’s testimony, Paul Pelosi described the attack publicly for the first time. He recalled being awakened by a man barging into the bedroom and demanding to know Nancy’s whereabouts. When Paul informed him that his wife was in Washington, DePape threatened to tie him up until she arrived. Paul managed to call the police, but DePape struck him with a hammer when the officers arrived.
DePape expressed remorse for Paul Pelosi’s injuries after hearing the testimony of a neurosurgeon who operated on him. The surgeon revealed that Paul had suffered a fractured skull, requiring plates and screws, as well as injuries to his arm and hand that required stitches. DePape stated, “He was never my target, and I’m sorry that he got hurt.” He further explained that he reacted impulsively because his plan had been ruined.
DePape revealed that he became attracted to right-wing conspiracies after learning about the “Gamergate” online harassment campaign against women in the video gaming community. He spent hours playing video games while listening to political podcasts. He believed that news outlets, particularly CNN, repeatedly lied about Trump. In his blog and online forum posts, which were removed following his arrest, DePape endorsed the baseless QAnon conspiracy theory, alleging that the U.S. government is controlled by devil-worshipping pedophiles. However, he did not mention this theory during his testimony.
Authorities discovered that DePape had additional targets, including a women’s and queer studies professor at the University of Michigan, California Governor Gavin Newsom, actor Tom Hanks, and President Joe Biden’s son, Hunter. DePape learned about the professor from conservative commentator James Lindsay. The professor testified that her writings had been misconstrued to fit an anti-gay narrative. Due to threats against her, her name was not disclosed publicly.
The professor confirmed that the FBI informed her that she was DePape’s primary target after Paul Pelosi’s attack. She immediately informed university administrators, who took measures to protect her, her students, and other staff.
Other witnesses who testified on Tuesday included Daniel Bernal, Nancy Pelosi’s San Francisco chief of staff, and DePape’s neighbor, Elizabeth Yates, who allowed him to shower at her home once a week.
If convicted, DePape faces a potential life sentence. He has also pleaded not guilty to charges in state court, including attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, elder abuse, residential burglary, and other felonies. A date for his state trial has not yet been scheduled.
