Charges against suspect in attack on Pelosi could amount to 50 years
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The charges could amount to up to 50 years in prison, with the attempted kidnapping charge amounting to 20 years, and 30 years for the attack on Paul Pelosi.
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Attempted kidnap, assault charges filed against suspect in Pelosi husb
The US Department of Justice said David DePape, the suspect who last week attacked Nancy Pelosi's husband, Paul Pelosi, in an attempt to kidnap US Speaker Nancy Pelosi, was charged in federal court in San Francisco with attempting to kidnap a US official and assaulting her family member.
The charges could amount to up to 50 years in prison, with the attempted kidnapping charge amounting to 20 years, and 30 years for the attack on Paul Pelosi.
The DoJ said that DePape, a 42-year-old California man who resides in a garage, intended to tie up Nancy Pelosi and break her kneecaps with a hammer if she did not confess to Democratic "lies."
The DoJ added that the suspect carried tape, rope, zip ties, and other materials with him when he broke into Pelosi's San Fransisco residence.
Nancy happened to be in another state when the attack occurred.
As he found none but her husband Paul Pelosi, DePape attacked him with a hammer, fracturing Paul's skull and severely injuring his right arm and hand.
DePape told authorities that Paul Pelosi was "taking the punishment instead" of his wife, given her absence.
In an affidavit, the FBI said the suspect said that Speaker Pelosi was responsible for disseminating lies told by her party. The affidavit further said that DePape intended to hold her hostage.
"If Nancy were to tell DePape the 'truth,' he would let her go, and if she 'lied,' he was going to break 'her kneecaps,'" the affidavit said.
Prior to the break-in, DePape had posted right-wing conspiracy theories on social media.
The attack comes in light of a surge in election denialism and voter intimidation ahead of the upcoming midterm elections that will decide the future of Democratic President Joe Biden's term.
Election denialism, which involves casting doubt on election procedures, has been sharply on the rise since former US President Donald Trump's defeat in the 2020 elections.
Election deniers generally believe that the 2020 elections were rigged, that Trump should have won a second term, and that voter fraud was widespread.
According to a poll jointly conducted by Reuters and Ipsos on October 27, two out of five US voters say they are concerned that individuals might threaten them or carry out acts of intimidation at polling stations during the US' upcoming November 8 midterm elections.
Read more: GOP Rep.: Republicans might impeach Biden if they win midterms
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