David DePape found guilty in violent hammer attack on Paul Pelosi

Ken Tran, USA TODAY
Updated ·2 min read
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WASHINGTON – A jury convicted David DePape, the man who attacked and bludgeoned former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's husband, of federal assault and attempted kidnapping charges Thursday.

DePape broke into the former speaker's home last year and attacked her 83-year-old husband, Paul Pelosi, in search of her. The attack was caught on policy body camera footage and reignited a debate on political violence in the U.S. DePape was found to be an avid supporter of far-right conspiracy theories.

Nancy Pelosi was not at her home at the time.

The jury deliberated over the case for over eight hours before delivering the verdict. DePape faces up to 50 years in federal prison.

During the trial, DePape admitted in his testimony that he intended to hold Nancy Pelosi hostage and “break her kneecaps,” if she lied to him in an attempt to expose government corruption.

DePape also faces state charges including: assault with a deadly weapon, elder abuse, residential burglary and other felonies.

Paul Pelosi attends a portrait unveiling ceremony for his wife, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., in Statuary Hall at the Capitol in Washington, Dec. 14, 2022.
Paul Pelosi attends a portrait unveiling ceremony for his wife, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., in Statuary Hall at the Capitol in Washington, Dec. 14, 2022.

He reiterated his support of right-wing conspiracy theories during his testimony and said he planned to wear an inflatable unicorn costume while interrogating Nancy Pelosi on video to later upload to the internet.

DePape apologized to Paul Pelosi in his testimony after he learned that Paul Pelosi suffered two wounds to the head including a skull fracture as a result of his attack with a hammer.

“He was never my target, and I’m sorry that he got hurt,” DePape said.

He added that, “I reacted because my plan was basically ruined.”

“Speaker Pelosi and her family are deeply grateful for the outpouring of prayers and warm wishes for Mr. Pelosi from so many across the country during this difficult time. The Pelosi family is very proud of their Pop, who demonstrated extraordinary composure and courage on the night of the attack a year ago and in the courtroom this week. Thankfully, Mr. Pelosi continues to make progress in his recovery," Aaron Bennett, spokesperson for Nancy Pelosi, said in a statement following the verdict.

Contributing: The Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: David DePape found guilty in Paul Pelosi hammer attack