In a surprising turn of events, a California judge dismissed several charges against David DePape, the man who attacked former U.S. House Speaker Paul Pelosi inside his San Francisco home in 2022. The dismissal came after DePape's defense team argued that the counts fell under double jeopardy following his federal conviction for assaulting a federal official's family member and attempting to kidnap a federal official.
DePape, who was sentenced to 30 years in prison in the federal case, still faces charges of false imprisonment, residential burglary, threatening a family member of a public official, attempting to sway a witness and aggravated kidnapping in the state trial. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The attack on Paul Pelosi shocked the political world when it occurred just days before the 2022 midterm elections. Pelosi, who was 82 at the time, suffered two head wounds including a skull fracture and underwent surgery with plates and screws that he will have for the rest of his life. His right arm and hand were also injured.
The dismissed charges include attempted murder, elder abuse, and assault with a deadly weapon. The judge granted the defense's motion to dismiss these counts based on double jeopardy arguments.
DePape admitted during his federal trial testimony that he planned to hold Nancy Pelosi hostage, interrogate her and 'break her kneecaps' if she did not admit to lies about 'Russiagate.' The attack was captured on police body camera video and the footage showed Paul Pelosi fighting for control of a hammer with his assailant.
The district attorney's office did not immediately return requests for comment.
