David DePape, the accused in the attack on Paul Pelosi, husband of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, made a shocking admission in federal court on Tuesday. He confessed to striking Paul Pelosi with a hammer in their San Francisco residence in October 2022. Overcome with emotion and tears, DePape recounted the incident, during which he initially believed he had killed Paul Pelosi, only realizing otherwise when charged with attempted murder by California.
The 43-year-old defendant told the court that his initial intention was not to harm Pelosi. However, the situation escalated when Pelosi tried to seize DePape’s hammer in the presence of responding police officers, leading to DePape striking him on the head. DePape expressed remorse for his actions, wishing he could apologize to Paul Pelosi in person.
DePape faces life imprisonment if convicted on the federal charges of attempted kidnapping and assault on a family member of a federal official, to which he has pleaded not guilty.
Paul Pelosi himself testified in the trial, describing the terrifying encounter with DePape, who had broken into their home carrying a hammer and zip ties. Pelosi, 83, recalled the moment of shock and the realization of imminent danger. The attack left him with a fractured skull and severe injuries to his arm and hands.
Federal prosecutors detailed how DePape gained entry to the Pelosi residence by smashing a glass panel. Paul Pelosi, who had not activated the home’s security alarm that night, managed to call 911, leading to the arrival of two police officers who witnessed the assault.
In his testimony, DePape clarified that his attack was not motivated by actions of Pelosi’s wife, Nancy Pelosi, but was part of a broader plan to confront her regarding perceived corruption in Washington, D.C. DePape listed several other targets he had considered pursuing, including notable figures like Rep. Adam Schiff, Tom Hanks, former U.S. Attorney General William Barr, Hunter Biden, and California Governor Gavin Newsom. He also mentioned a controversial figure he referred to as “Target 1,” a self-proclaimed “pedo-activist.”
DePape admitted to contemplating violence against Nancy Pelosi upon breaking into the Pelosi home and choosing the Pelosi residence over another target due to easier access. The trial continues to unravel the details and motivations behind this high-profile case that has captured national attention.