An individual who assaulted the spouse of former Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, was convicted by a San Francisco jury.
A federal official was assaulted, and an attempted abduction was attributed to David DePape.
Paul Pelosi, 83, was hospitalized for six days following the assault due to a fractured cranium and additional injuries.
Trial and Emotional Testimony
DePape, who, on Tuesday, wept in his testimony regarding the assault, is now threatened with up to fifty years in prison.
Following a week-long trial at the Phillip Burton Federal Courthouse in central San Francisco, he was found guilty on Thursday.
While the unanimous verdict was being read, he maintained a downward gaze and fidgeted with his fingertips.
Video evidence indicates that on October 28 of last year, the assailant, a Canadian national who has resided in the United States for twenty years, forced his way into the Pelosi residence in San Francisco using a mallet.
Upon entering the premises, he inquired about Mrs. Pelosi, who was not present.
When officers responded to Mr. Pelosi’s 911 call, they discovered both males holding a hammer.
Officers subdued DePape after he abruptly swung the weapon at Mr. Pelosi in response to a request to lower it.
Body camera footage of the entire confrontation was presented in court.
Motivation and Legal Proceedings
An FBI special agent, who was one of the witnesses, testified that the video captured the assailant delivering three blows to Mr. Pelosi.
Mr. Pelosi testified in his own behalf before the court that DePape stated his intention to “eliminate” Mrs. Pelosi and “elevate the pack” during the assault.
Apart from sustaining a fractured cranium, Mr. Pelosi also sustained hand and arm injuries.
Jodi Linker, the court-appointed attorney for DePape, argued that Mr. Pelosi was strangled but only because he “every ounce of his being” subscribed to right-wing conspiracy theories, according to her client.
According to Ms. Linker, DePape attributed America’s downfall to unscrupulous elites who utilized their authority to propagate falsehoods, which included enabling child sexual abuse.
She posited that DePape’s motivation was not Mrs. Pelosi’s stance on the government but rather these conspiracies.
Conspiracy and Violent Plans: Legal Ramifications
However, the prosecution contended that DePape’s pursuit of Mrs. Pelosi was an integral component of a “violent plan.”
He was in possession of zip ties and duct tape at the time of his detention.
Additionally, subsequent to the incident, he disclosed to investigators that he possessed a “target list” and intended to kidnap Mrs. Pelosi and fracture “her kneecaps” if she failed to divulge “the truth.”
On Monday, Mr. Pelosi recalled discovering DePape “standing in the doorway” when he awoke.
“It was a tremendous shock, looking at him, looking at the hammer and the ties,” he continued. “I immediately realized I was in grave danger.” I attempted to maintain the utmost composure.
The attack occurred while Mrs. Pelosi was House Speaker, second only to the US president.
For attacking a federal official’s family, DePape receives 30 years in jail in addition to 20 years for attempted abduction.
His state accusations include attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, and domestic burglary.
If convicted of state-charged crimes, he would receive a life term. He entered a not-guilty plea.
In the aftermath of Thursday’s verdict, a statement from the office of Representative Pelosi highlighted that her husband exhibited extraordinary courage and composure on the night of the attack a year ago. The statement also emphasized his resilience in the courtroom this week.
The statement said Mr. Pelosi “continues to make progress in his recovery” and state rules barred further comment.
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