A California judge has handed down a life sentence to David DePape, the individual responsible for breaking into the home of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and brutally assaulting her husband, Paul Pelosi, with a hammer.

Background of the Case

DePape, aged 44, previously received a 30-year prison term for federal charges stemming from the incident that occurred on October 28, 2022, in the affluent Pacific Heights area of San Francisco.

In June, a jury found him guilty on several counts, including aggravated kidnapping, first-degree burglary, false imprisonment, and threats against an elected official and their family.

Sentencing Remarks

San Francisco County Superior Court Judge Harry Dorfman emphasized the severity of DePape’s actions, stating, “It’s my intention that Mr. DePape will never get out of prison; he can never be paroled.”

Arguments from the Defense

Defense attorney Adam Lipson advocated for leniency, arguing that DePape had previously led a peaceful life before being consumed by conspiracy theories. He stated, “This is a man who has always been a peaceful, law-abiding person up until his activation.”

Conspiracy Theories and Behavior in Court

During the court proceedings, DePape seized the opportunity to express various conspiracy theories, claiming, “I’m a psychic. … The more I meditate, the more psychic I get.”

His lengthy history of promoting far-right conspiracy theories had included questioning the legitimacy of the 2020 presidential election and alleging that the government was run by “devil-worshipping pedophiles.”

Impact on Democracy

San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins remarked on the broader implications of DePape’s actions, stating he posed a significant threat to democracy. She highlighted that DePape’s crimes had drawn widespread public condemnation, reinforcing his accountability and commitment to justice.

Details of the Attack

On the night of the incident, DePape broke into the Pelosi residence, demanding to know the whereabouts of Nancy Pelosi. The confrontation escalated, and during a struggle captured on police body cameras, he struck Paul Pelosi in the head with a hammer, despite police instructions to release the weapon.