(LibertyInsider.org) – The trial of David DePape, the man who stands accused of attacking former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband, Paul Pelosi, is officially underway. Lawyers for the defense and prosecution delivered their opening statements at a Northern District of California courthouse on November 9.
DePape allegedly broke into the Pelosis’ residence at around 2 a.m. on October 28, 2022. Armed with zip ties, tape, rope, gloves, and a large hammer, he moved through the home until he located Paul Pelosi, who was asleep in a bedroom at the time. DePape stood over the man and repeatedly asked, “Where’s Nancy? Where’s Nancy?”
When Paul Pelosi informed the intruder that his wife was not home, he refused to leave and opted to wait for her return. DePape then prevented the man from accessing a telephone and reportedly said he would “wait for days” if necessary.
Paul Pelosi did eventually manage to access his cell phone and dial 911 just under 30 minutes later. According to a transcript from the telephone call, Pelosi initially referred to DePape as a “gentleman” and said he didn’t need medical, fire, or rescue. He also repeatedly stated that the intruder wanted him to put the phone down and asked for Capitol Police. While the exchange initially prompted questions about whether Paul Pelosi knew the man, analysts later suggested that he may have been intentionally evasive to avoid further harm.
A contingent of San Francisco Police officers arrived at the home just a few short minutes later. But when they opened the door, they discovered the pair engaged in an active struggle over the hammer. That’s when he struck Paul Pelosi in the head. Officers finally managed to subdue DePape seconds later. Paul Pelosi was transported to a local hospital with a fractured skull, where he remained for nearly a week after the attack.
According to a statement from the Department of Justice, police charged DePape with assaulting the family member of a federal official with the intent to retaliate (18 U.S.C. § 115), attempting to kidnap a federal officer (18 U.S.C. § 1201).
It’s too early to predict how DePape’s trial might go. In opening statements, prosecutors argued that DePape was a man with a personality fueled by conspiracy and far-right extremism. The defense team argued that “believes all these things … with every ounce of his being,” rather than refuting those claims.
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