David DePape, the man charged with assaulting Paul Pelosi, husband of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, with a hammer, was convicted of both assault and attempted kidnapping on Thursday. The incident, which took place at the Pelosi residence in San Francisco last year, resulted in serious injuries to Mr. Pelosi.
The jury found DePape guilty of attempting to kidnap a federal official and assaulting a family member of a federal official with intent to retaliate. His sentencing is set for December 13. Following the verdict, the Pelosi family spokesperson, Aaron Bennett, expressed the family’s gratitude for the support and well-wishes they received from across the country.
In a statement, the Pelosi family praised Paul Pelosi for his bravery and composure during the attack and in the courtroom. They also shared that Mr. Pelosi is making progress in his recovery. The family indicated they would not make further comments on the case due to ongoing state court proceedings.
In addition to the federal charges, DePape faces several state-level charges related to the October 28, 2022, attack. These charges include assault with a deadly weapon, residential burglary, and elder abuse. He is scheduled to appear in state court on November 29 to set a trial date. The San Francisco District Attorney’s Office has expressed confidence in their case against DePape.
During the federal trial, Paul Pelosi provided a personal account of the night’s events. He recalled being startled awake by DePape, who forcefully entered the house and questioned the whereabouts of Nancy Pelosi. On Tuesday, DePape admitted in court to striking Paul Pelosi with the hammer, an act he claimed he had not initially intended to commit. DePape expressed remorse and offered an apology for his actions.
The attack left the 83-year-old Paul Pelosi with a fractured skull, while Nancy Pelosi was not present in San Francisco at the time. The case has drawn national attention and highlighted concerns over the safety of public figures and their families.