Paul Pelosi Hammer Attacker Gets 30-Year Sentence

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Facts

  • David DePape, charged with attacking Paul Pelosi, the husband of former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, was sentenced to 30 years in prison on Friday.1
  • Last November, DePape was convicted of assault and attempted kidnapping of a federal official. He faces additional charges, including attempted murder, burglary, and assault with a deadly weapon.2
  • Prosecutors had sought a 40-year sentence for DePape, while his attorneys had asked for a total sentence of 14 years due to his lack of a previous criminal record.3
  • On Oct. 28, 2022, DePape broke into the Pelosis' home and struck Paul with a hammer before being apprehended by officers.2
  • During the trial, DePape testified that he intended to hold Nancy hostage and 'break her kneecaps' if she lied to him. He also admitted to bludgeoning Paul with a hammer.4
  • Following the attack, Paul suffered a skull fracture. He claims to continue to suffer from balance, sleep, and headache issues.5

Sources: 1New York Times, 2BBC News, 3NBC, 4FOX News and 5National Review.

Narratives

  • Establishment-critical narrative, as provided by Times. While the attack against Paul Pelosi was heinous, DePape isn't the monster he has been painted to be. As a vulnerable man with mental health issues, he fell victim to the allure of right-wing conspiracy theories. These conspiracy theories radicalized him and ultimately led him to commit this violent act. His story should warn of the violent threat of political extremism.
  • Pro-establishment narrative, as provided by New York Times. DePape is guilty and deserves to be punished to the full extent of the law. Despite claims that the influence of conspiracy theories diminishes his guilt in the crimes, he had a clear plan for violence if Nancy didn't answer his questions how he had wanted. This premeditation clearly shows that his crime was deliberate.
  • Republican narrative, as provided by The San Francisco Standard. It's quite amazing to watch liberal San Francisco switch to a tough-on-crime stance when one of their own gets attacked. After endless news coverage of this incident calling DePape an unhinged far-right attacker, 55% of prospective jurors surveyed ahead of the trial said they already believed he was guilty. While DePape should be held accountable for his inexcusable actions, It's no surprise he didn't receive the prosecutorial leniency so often promoted by these progressives.