The man who attacked the husband of former US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi has been sentenced to 30 years in prison.

David DePape was convicted of assault and attempted kidnapping of a federal official in November after a week-long trial in San Francisco.

The attack left Paul Pelosi, now 84, in hospital for six days with a fractured skull and other injuries.

Prosecutors, however, argued that DePape had a “plan of violence”, noting that he told investigators he had a “target list” and plan to break Mrs Pelosi’s kneecaps if she did not reveal “the truth”. At the time of his arrest, DePape had zip ties and duct tape.

In addition to the federal charges, DePape is facing separate state charges stemming from the attack. They include burglary, assault with a deadly weapon, elder abuse, and attempted murder.

He faces life imprisonment if convicted of those charges. He has pleaded not guilty.

  • TrickDacy@lemmy.world
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    7 months ago

    My thoughts exactly. Actually if anything they should get 30 years and this guy seems more suitable to 10 imo but meh

    • Empricorn@feddit.nl
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      7 months ago

      Only 10 years for violently attempting to kill someone with a hammer!?

      Assuming he’s mentally fit to stand trial, that’s “get caught with weed in a red state” time…

      • TrickDacy@lemmy.world
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        7 months ago

        I knew someone would say something like this. There’s a reason I’m not a judge… I’m just saying if you’re involved in a violent mob trying to overthrow the government, that seems worse to me

        • Empricorn@feddit.nl
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          7 months ago

          I like your honesty. I shouldn’t be a judge either because I have strong opinions. But I’d like to remind everyone that the Jan 6 defendants were all charged and tried separately. Some attacked police and tried to hang the Vice President. Some occupied the Capitol and shouted their dissatisfaction with a false narrative. Both are illegal, but shouldn’t be treated the same.

          Where I think we’d agree is that most of the Jan 6th defendants received far, far too light sentences. Such mild slaps on the wrist that I’m unfortunately expecting more violence if Biden wins again…

          • TrickDacy@lemmy.world
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            7 months ago

            Yeah I’m with you. And it’s true not every Jan 6 person was out for blood, which would exempt them from the wrath I was mentioning :)