Preliminary hearing set for Paul Pelosi attack suspect

SAN FRANCISCO (CN) — David DePape, the suspect in a home invasion attack that left House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's husband seriously injured, will face a preliminary hearing Dec. 14.

DePape, 42, entered a not guilty plea on Tuesday on state charges that he broke into the Pelosis' San Francisco home and assaulted Paul Pelosi with a hammer. He waived his right to a hearing within 10 days at his arraignment in San Francisco Superior Court. 

DePape faces multiple charges brought by both the San Francisco district attorney and the federal government, including assault, attempted murder and attempted kidnapping. Federal prosecutors also charged him with “attempted kidnapping of a US official,” after he told investigators he planned to hold Nancy Pelosi hostage. That charge carries a maximum of 20 years in prison.

He remains on federal hold and has not yet entered a plea in federal court.

Investigators say he told them he was on a “suicide mission” and planned to take Speaker Pelosi hostage and “break her kneecaps” to make her an example to other Democratic lawmakers. They say DePape’s posted antisemitic and QAnon-affiliated conspiracy theories online, and new details from the no-bail request said he may have had other political targets. An FBI agent said in an affidavit filed with the criminal complaint. "DePape also explained generally that he wanted to use Nancy to lure another individual to DePape." Officers found a roll of tape, white rope, a second hammer, pairs of rubber and cloth gloves and zip ties among DePape's belongings at the scene.

The government said DePape is a Canadian citizen and is in the country illegally. Officials report that DePape entered the U.S. through the San Ysidro point of entry in 2008 as a temporary visitor.

DePape's attorney, public defender Adam Lipson, declined to comment at Friday's scheduling hearing and his client did not attend. The Pelosis’ daughter Christine did, however, and declined to comment.

The motion to hold DePape without bail will also be discussed at the preliminary hearing, according to District Attorney spokesperson Randolph Quezada.

Paul Pelosi was released the hospital Thursday after receiving treatment for a skull fracture sustained in the attack, according to Speaker Pelosi. He underwent surgery for the fracture and injuries to other limbs.

“Paul remains under doctors’ care as he continues to progress on a long recovery process and convalescence,” Nancy Pelosi said. “He is now home surrounded by his family who request privacy.”

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