San Francisco, CA – David DePape was convicted on Friday of five charges related to his 2022 attack on Nancy Pelosi’s husband, Paul Pelosi, in their San Francisco home.
The California state jury found DePape guilty of first-degree burglary, false imprisonment of an elder, threatening the family of a public official, kidnapping for ransom resulting in bodily harm, and dissuading a witness by force or threat.
DePape, 44, who had previously been convicted in federal court last year and received a 30-year sentence, now faces a life sentence without parole in state prison, to be served after his federal term. As per to the source nytimes
The state trial concluded a case that underscored fears of politically motivated violence in America.
The prosecution presented overwhelming evidence, including DePape’s own admissions shortly after the October 2022 incident. DePape broke into the Pelosi residence, intending to interrogate Nancy Pelosi but attacked her husband instead.
He confessed to the crime in police interviews, a jailhouse TV interview, and on the witness stand during his federal trial.
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Despite the evidence, DePape’s lawyer, Adam Lipson, argued that some charges were unsubstantiated. Lipson focused on DePape’s delusional state, claiming his client was deeply entrenched in conspiracy theories.
He argued that DePape’s actions were part of a misguided plot to expose what he believed were widespread crimes by public figures, including Nancy Pelosi.
The attack highlighted the dangerous impact of conspiracy theories, with DePape’s delusions influenced by online rhetoric and misinformation. Lipson described DePape’s plan as “totally absurd,” detailing his client’s bizarre preparations, including packing a bag with computers, video games, and a hammer.
With the convictions, DePape’s case serves as a grim reminder of the potential consequences of political extremism and misinformation, reinforcing the need for vigilance and accountability in safeguarding public figures and their families.