**Man Sentenced to Life for Violent Attack on Nancy Pelosi’s Husband**

A man who forcibly entered the home of former Speaker Nancy Pelosi and severely assaulted her husband has received a life sentence without the possibility of parole on state charges in California. David DePape's sentencing also includes a 30-year federal prison term that will be served concurrently.

In the state trial, a San Francisco jury found DePape culpable for kidnapping, first-degree burglary, and the false imprisonment of an elder. This brutal attack resulted in 84-year-old Paul Pelosi being hospitalized for six days, suffering from a fractured skull among other injuries. Following the sentencing, the Pelosi family expressed relief, stating, "legal justice has been served."

Detailing the ongoing impact of the incident, the Pelosi family shared, "Since the violent break-in and shouts of 'where's Nancy?' two years ago, not a day goes by that we do not think of this devastating assault, its trauma - or the possibility of future attacks." They also hope that this severe sentence sends a clear message that political violence, especially against elected officials or their families, will not be tolerated.

DePape's attorney, Adam Lipson, announced plans to appeal the ruling. Lipson argued for a lighter sentence, citing DePape's mental health issues and social isolation, which purportedly made him susceptible to extremist propaganda. However, Judge Harry Dorfman showed no leniency, stating, "I feel sympathy for the victim in this case, who's lucky to be alive. It's my intention that Mr. DePape will never get out of prison, he can never be paroled."

On 28 October 2022, DePape broke into the Pelosi residence in California, armed with a hammer. Demanding to see Mrs. Pelosi, who was absent, he confronted her husband. When police arrived, they discovered both Paul Pelosi and DePape clutching the same hammer. Despite being instructed to drop the weapon, DePape struck Mr. Pelosi abruptly before officers restrained him. Footage from body cameras worn by the officers captured this shocking incident.

During his federal trial, DePape admitted he intended to detain Mrs. Pelosi, interrogate her, and "break her kneecaps" if she did not confess to what he believed were her falsehoods. Christine Pelosi read a letter from her father, revealing his ongoing struggles with nerve damage and a fear of sleeping alone since the attack.

In his court address, DePape veered into conspiracy theories about the 11 September 2001 attacks, prompting interruptions from the judge. DePape also accused his government-appointed lawyers of conspiring against him, further highlighting his unstable state of mind during the trial.