David DePape convicted in federal trial for assaulting Paul Pelosi with a hammer

David DePape convicted in federal trial for assaulting Paul Pelosi with a hammer

A suspect accused of violently attacking Paul Pelosi, the husband of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, at their San Francisco home last year has been convicted by a federal jury. The jury deliberated for several hours before reaching a verdict on Thursday morning, finding David DePape guilty on both federal counts. The attack, which occurred on October 28, 2022, just days before the midterm elections, left Pelosi with a skull fracture after being struck in the head with a hammer. DePape, who was arrested at the scene, has pleaded not guilty to charges of attempted kidnapping and assault on a federal official. The charges carry a maximum sentence of 20 and 30 years in prison, respectively. During the trial, DePape claimed that he went to the Pelosis’ home to discuss Russian interference in the 2016 election and that Pelosi was not his intended target. Pelosi testified that he was alone in the house when DePape burst into his bedroom, holding a hammer and asking for Nancy. The incident was captured on police body camera footage, which showed DePape assaulting Pelosi. He is also facing state charges in connection with the incident.