David DePape's federal trial began with opening remarks on Thursday — the 43-year-old was charged with the October 2022 hammer assault at the San Francisco home of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and her husband Paul Pelosi.
He has remained in detention after entering a not-guilty plea.
Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley turned down the counsel for DePape when they attempted to shift the trial from San Francisco, claiming that the jury pool had been corrupted by local media coverage of the case, making it impossible to have a fair trial.
On Monday, November 6, jury selection commenced. Paul Pelosi, who was assaulted and has a broken skull among other injuries, is anticipated to testify, as is a witness whose identity is being withheld by the court and who is only referred to as "Target 1."
Richmond, a little community in the Californian Bay Area close to Berkeley, is home to David Wayne DePape. He was residing in a garage at the time of the incident, according to the officials.
Court records state that during the search of that residence, the officers discovered a sword, two hammers, and a pair of cloth and rubber gloves. Along with PayPal credit cards, they also purportedly discovered documents from the IRS and the California Department of Motor Vehicles.
DePape, a Canadian citizen, may not have been in the country lawfully. Following his arrest, the Department of Homeland Security allegedly requested to hold an individual who has been detained for a crime until they are released by law enforcement. This procedure is known as a detainer.
On October 28, 2022, the day Paul Pelosi was attacked, the FBI and the San Francisco Police Department said they had a suspect in custody.
Two federal offences were brought against DePape: assaulting a federal official's close relative and attempting to abduct a government officer or employee. In the event of a conviction, he may spend up to 20 years behind bars for the first offence and 30 years for the second.
Separate state accusations against him also include attempted murder, home invasion, assault with a deadly weapon, threats against a public officer, and other offences that may result in sentences ranging from more than 13 years to life in prison. He entered a not-guilty plea to them as well.
Paul Pelosi phoned 911 just before 2:30am in the morning, claiming that a guy he didn't know had broken into his house and was seeking his wife, according to court filings.
According to court filings, DePape and Pelosi told police about the event the same night it occurred.
DePape admitted to the police that he used the glass rear patio door to enter the house. The lawsuit claims that DePape awakened Pelosi up by entering his bedroom and said that he needed to speak with Nancy, referring to his wife Nancy Pelosi, who was in Washington, DC at the time.
DePape said to police he would sit and wait for his wife when Pelosi indicated his wife was not present. Pelosi said he could make a 911 call from the bathroom.
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