David DePape, the man who attacked Paul Pelosi, was found guilty on all five state charges by a San Francisco jury on Friday. DePape’s charges stemmed from his violent home invasion of the Democratic lawmaker’s husband in October 2022.
The jury convicted DePape of aggravated kidnapping resulting in bodily harm or death, false imprisonment of an elder or dependent adult, threatening the family of public officials, first-degree residential burglary, and preventing or dissuading a witness by force or threat, according to CBS News.
During the trial, San Francisco Public Defender Adam Lipson argued that DePape had been influenced by propaganda and conspiracy theories due to his reclusive lifestyle. Despite this defense, the jury found DePape guilty on all counts.
Last month, DePape was sentenced to 30 years in prison after being convicted in November 2023 for the attempted kidnapping of a federal official and assault on a family member of a public official. This conviction followed his attack on Paul Pelosi, who was 82 at the time, in an attempt to reach his wife, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi.
Prior to the latest trial, Judge Harry M. Dorfman dismissed three of DePape’s state charges, including attempted murder, assault of an elder, and assault with a deadly weapon. The judge ruled that these charges could prevent DePape from being tried again on the same charges following an acquittal or conviction, according to CNN.
Following the guilty verdict, Aaron Bennett, a spokesperson for Nancy Pelosi, issued a statement on behalf of the Pelosi family. “Speaker Pelosi and her family remain in awe of their Pop’s bravery, which shone through again on the witness stand in this trial just as it did when he saved his own life on the night of the attack. For nearly 20 grueling months, Mr. Pelosi has demonstrated extraordinary courage and fortitude every day of his recovery.”
The statement continued, “The Pelosi family is grateful for the kind thoughts and prayers they continue to receive. Speaker Pelosi and her family will refrain from further substantive comment until sentencing is complete.”
