Judge dismisses several charges against Paul Pelosi attacker after claims of double jeopardy

A California judge dismissed several state level charges against Paul Pelosi's attacker David DePape on Thursday, after the defense claimed the charges amounted to double jeopardy, because DePape had already been sentenced for them in federal court.

DePape was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison last month after he attacked former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's husband Paul in October of 2022. DePape had hit Paul Pelosi with a hammer in San Francisco, but had intended to kidnap Nancy Pelosi. 

State prosecutors attempted to continue the state case against DePape, despite the conviction on the federal level, which led to the defense claiming there was double jeopardy because it stemmed from the same attack. But the California judge only dismissed the the state charges of attempted murder, elder abuse and assault with a deadly weapon, according to Politico.

DePape still faces charges for aggravated kidnapping, false imprisonment, residential burglary, threatening a family member of a public official, and attempting to sway a witness charges. He has pleaded not guilty to all counts.

The attacker testified that his intended target was Nancy Pelosi during his federal trial, and stated that he would have held Nancy Pelosi hostage, interrogated her and planned to “break her kneecaps," if she had been home and not admitted to alleged lies about "Russiagate." DePape has expressed regret when it comes to attacking Paul Pelosi.

"I'm sorry for what I did," DePape said in his sentencing in May. "Especially what I did to Paul Pelosi. I should have just left the house when I realized Nancy Pelosi wasn't home. I feel horrible about what I did to Paul."

Paul Pelosi suffered two head wounds including a skull fracture, and injuries to his right arm and hand.

Misty Severi is an evening news reporter for Just the News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.