David DePape, who was convicted in the 2022 hammer attack on Paul Pelosi, apologized for his actions during a resentencing hearing. DePape was originally sentenced to 30 years in prison after being found guilty of assault and attempted kidnapping charges for attacking the husband of former Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The resentencing hearing was opened after the judge overseeing the trial made an error during the initial sentencing by not allowing DePape to make a statement before sentencing. Prosecutors noticed the mistake and DePape’s lawyers promptly filed an appeal.
During the resentencing hearing, which lasted only 25 minutes, Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley apologized for not giving DePape the opportunity to speak before the initial sentencing and set aside the sentence. DePape then spoke briefly, apologizing for assaulting Mr. Pelosi and acknowledging that he should have left when he found out that Mrs. Pelosi was not there. He also admitted that making a call to a local television station from jail after his arrest was a “stupid immature call.” After DePape spoke, the judge thanked him for his statement, explained the seriousness of the crime, and resentenced him to the same 30-year sentence for assault and 20-year sentence for attempted kidnapping, to be served concurrently.
In addition to his federal case, DePape also faces trial in state court, with a hearing scheduled for the following day. This marks the continuation of legal proceedings for DePape in multiple jurisdictions for his assault on Paul Pelosi. The attack, which occurred in the Pelosis’ San Francisco home, resulted in DePape being found guilty of serious charges that carry lengthy prison sentences. The resentencing hearing allowed DePape to address the court and express remorse for his actions, which he did by acknowledging his mistakes and apologizing for the harm he caused.
DePape’s case highlights the legal consequences of violent crimes, as he was sentenced to a significant amount of time in prison for his assault on Paul Pelosi. The judge’s acknowledgment of the error in the initial sentencing process and the reopening of the hearing allowed for DePape to have the opportunity to speak and provide additional context to his case. Despite his apology and expression of remorse, DePape will still serve the originally imposed sentence for his crimes. The legal proceedings underscore the seriousness of criminal actions and the accountability that individuals must face for their actions.
