In a shocking development, the federal Department of Justice (DOJ) is advocating for a terrorism enhancement in the case of David DePape, the man convicted of attacking the husband of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The DOJ is urging the US District Court for the Northern District of California to impose a 40-year prison sentence, overriding the recommended 25-year term put forth by the federal Probation Office.

While DePape, 44, was not convicted on any terrorism charges, US attorneys argued in a recent filing that the defendant had intended to promote a federal crime of terrorism. The prosecutors believe that the violent lessons DePape sought to teach should not be tolerated in the country. US Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey highlighted this in the sentencing memorandum, emphasizing the need for the terrorism enhancement.

In November, a federal jury in San Francisco found DePape guilty of attempted kidnapping of a federal official and assault on the immediate family member of a federal official, both offenses committed in retaliation for the performance of their duties. The court proceedings revealed the horrific details of DePape's brutal hammer attack on Paul Pelosi, Nancy Pelosi's husband, inside their San Francisco home on October 28, 2022. The assault resulted in Mr. Pelosi, who is 83 years old, suffering a fractured skull and other serious injuries.

During the trial, police body camera footage was presented, capturing the terrifying incident. In a surprising turn of events, DePape took the stand, tearfully apologizing for harming Paul Pelosi. He insisted that Pelosi was never his intended target and expressed remorse for his injuries. DePape revealed that his initial plan was to target the former Speaker and other prominent individuals, hoping to force them to confess to being part of a conspiracy involving Satan-worshiping Democrat elites and a global pedophile sex ring. These unfounded conspiracy theories were fueled by DePape's allegiance to fringe political podcasts.

DePape is scheduled to face federal sentencing on May 17. Following this, he will stand trial on state charges of attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon. The severity of the attack and DePape's intentions have prompted the DOJ's pursuit of a terrorism enhancement, signaling their determination to ensure justice is served.

The court's decision on the terrorism enhancement and the subsequent sentencing will be closely watched, as it may set a precedent for similar cases involving attacks on public officials or their family members.