DOJ wants 40 year sentence for man who attacked Nancy Pelosi's husband with a hammer

WASHINGTON – The Department of Justice is seeking 40 years in prison for the man convicted of breaking into former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s home and attacking her husband.

Federal prosecutors said that David DePape’s crimes “are an assault on our democracy and fundamental values,” arguing that while he was not convicted of terrorism, his acts ultimately constituted terrorism. A 40-year sentence, the prosecutors wrote in a memorandum filed Friday, would “reflect the nature and circumstances of the offense”

A jury convicted DePape last year of federal assault and attempted kidnapping charges. DePape broke into the former House speaker’s home in 2022 and bludgeoned her husband, Paul Pelosi, over the head with a hammer while in search of her.

It was later found that DePape was an avid supporter of far-right conspiracy theories. DePape testified in his trial that he intended to hold Nancy Pelosi hostage and interrogate her. If he decided she was lying, he said, he would “break her kneecaps.”

DePape apologized to Paul Pelosi during the trial and said he was not his intended target.

“He wanted to teach her a lesson,” prosecutors wrote in the court filing. “The violent lessons that the defendant wanted to teach are not permitted in this country.”

“At a time when extremism has led to attacks on public and elected officials, this case presents a moment to speak to others harboring ideologically motivated violent dreams and plans. This case presents strong deterrent value to say that violent ideological attacks will be punished to the full extent of the law,” the memorandum continues.

DePape is scheduled to be sentenced on May 17.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Prosecutors seek 40 years for man who attacked Nancy Pelosi's husband