Man Accused of Attacking Nancy Pelosi’s Husband Alleges Fight Against Corruption
In the ongoing trial of David DePape, the man charged with attacking Nancy Pelosi’s husband, Paul Pelosi, at their San Francisco residence last year, prosecutors presented a series of law enforcement officials to provide crucial context surrounding the video evidence. DePape has pleaded not guilty to charges of attempted kidnapping of a federal official and assault on a federal official’s family member with intent to retaliate against their official duties.
On the trial’s second day, federal prosecutors swiftly called witnesses to the stand, including an FBI agent who collected DePape’s electronic devices, a U.S. Capitol police officer responsible for monitoring surveillance cameras at the Pelosis’ home, and another Capitol police officer who has been Nancy Pelosi’s security detail since 2006. Additionally, a Bay Area Rapid Transit police sergeant testified on behalf of the prosecution.
However, in a surprising development, defense attorney Jodi Linker informed the jurors that they would not contest DePape’s physical assault on Paul Pelosi, which was captured on police body camera footage. Instead, she plans to argue that DePape genuinely believed he was taking action against government corruption and the abuse of children by politicians and actors. Linker asserts that the charges of retaliation or interference with Nancy Pelosi’s official duties are unfounded in this context.
During the trial’s opening statements, federal prosecutor Laura Vartain Horn alleged that DePape had meticulously planned the attack since August, presenting evidence and FBI testimony that showed he had conducted online research on his targets. This included collecting phone numbers and addresses, as well as paying for a public records service to gather information about Nancy Pelosi and others.
If convicted, DePape could face life imprisonment. Additionally, he has pleaded not guilty to state charges of attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, elder abuse, residential burglary, and other felonies. A separate state trial has yet to be scheduled.
According to federal prosecutors, DePape forcibly broke into the Pelosis’ Pacific Heights mansion by smashing his shoulder through a glass panel on a door in the back. He then came face to face with a sleeping Paul Pelosi, who was wearing only boxer shorts and a pajama top, demanding to know Nancy Pelosi’s whereabouts. It is important to note that Nancy Pelosi was in Washington, D.C., under the constant protection of her security detail, which does not extend to family members.
Paul Pelosi acted swiftly and called 911, resulting in the arrival of two police officers who witnessed DePape strike him on the head with a hammer, rendering him unconscious. Court records confirm the events, with DePape allegedly asking, Where’s Nancy? Where’s Nancy? while holding a hammer and zip ties at approximately 2 a.m.
Following his arrest, DePape, a 43-year-old who resided in a garage in the Bay Area city of Richmond and supported himself through odd carpentry jobs, reportedly informed a San Francisco detective that he intended to hold Nancy Pelosi hostage. He claimed that if she told him the truth, he would release her, but if she lied, he intended to break her kneecaps to demonstrate the consequences of actions to other members of Congress. Prosecutors further allege that DePape had additional targets on his list, including a women’s and queer studies professor, California Governor Gavin Newsom, actor Tom Hanks, and President Joe Biden’s son, Hunter.
As the trial progresses, the court will weigh the evidence presented by both the prosecution and the defense, ultimately determining the fate of David DePape. The case highlights the delicate balance between criminal accountability and potential motivations behind acts of violence, emphasizing the importance of justice and fair evaluation in such situations.
