(17 May 2024)
RESTRICTION SUMMARY:
ASSOCIATED PRESS
San Francisco – 17 May 2025
1. Federal Courthouse Exterior
2. Federal prosecutors walk up to mic stand to speak with reporters after sentencing
3. SOUNDBITE (English) Abraham Simmons, Assistant United States Attorney:
"Today’s sentence reflects David DePape’s lack of remorse and contrition for violently assaulting Mr. Pelosi. The court’s sentence will ensure that DePape will not be able to use violence to pollute the political process. Robust, passionate political debate is appropriate and often necessary in our democracy. But today’s sentence is a stern reminder that political discourse must never transform into violence."
4. Simmons speaks with reporters
5. SOUNDBITE (English) Sergio Lopez, FBI:
"The brutal attack on Paul Pelosi in his home was not only an attack on an individual, but an assault on the very principles and safety and civility that formed the bedrock of our democracy. Public servants, and indeed all citizens, deserve to work and live without threats of violence or of intimidation. Today’s sentencing of David DePape to a significant prison term sends a clear message that violence and intimidation have no place in our community or our political discourse. DePape’s attack, fueled by misguided ideology, underscores the dangers posed by extremist beliefs. The FBI is committed to protecting all citizens and ensuring that our democracy remains strong and resilient against those who seek to harm it. We stand by the Pelosi family and all victims of violence, and we will continue to work tirelessly to uphold the values of justice and peace in our society."
6. Various courthouse exteriors and signage
7. SOUNDBITE (English) Sky Gonzalez, David DePape’s son:
"I think that’s quite sad. I think that’s a really long time, because if you think about it, he’s already nearly 50. Basically it’s just a death sentence. Like, if you think about it, it’s a death sentence, you know what I’m saying? So I think that’s quite sad. I was hoping he would get less time, but, you know, there’s nothing I can really do about it."
8. DePape’s son and ex-wife talk to reporters
9. SOUNDBITE (English) Gypsy Taub, David DePape’s ex-wife:
"We’re going to appeal this. The reason why I’m not as sad as I would otherwise be is because I strongly believe that I create my own reality. We do create our own reality. It’s just a matter of learning how to be more conscious about it. I believe that the force is by far greater than court rules, and court rules change all the time. Laws change all the time as well."
10. American flag flies outside courthouse
STORYLINE:
The man convicted of attempting to kidnap then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and attacking her husband with a hammer was sentenced Friday to 30 years in prison.
Jurors previously found David DePape guilty last November of attempted kidnapping of a federal official and assault on the immediate family member of a federal official.
Prosecutors had asked for a 40-year prison term.
DePape was given 20 years for one count and 30 years for another count. The sentences will run concurrently. He was also given credit for the 18 months that he’s been in custody.
His public defense attorneys had asked the judge to sentence him to 14 years, pointing out that he was going through a difficult time in his life and had no prior criminal history.
Corley said she took into account when giving DePape’s sentence the fact that he broke into the home of a public official, an unprecedented act in the history of the country.
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