Activist accused of attacking Paul Pelosi held without bail
SAN FRANCISCO — A San Francisco judge Tuesday ordered the man accused of breaking into House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s home, beating her husband and seeking to kidnap her, to be held without bail.
Adam Lipson, a lawyer for defendant David DePape, entered a not guilty plea on DePape’s behalf during the brief hearing in Superior Court in San Francisco. It was the first public appearance since the Friday attack for DePape, a fringe activist drawn to conspiracy theories.
DePape, 42, only spoke to tell Judge Diane Northway how to pronounce his last name (“dih-PAP”). He is scheduled to return to court Friday.
After the hearing, Lipson said he looks forward to providing DePape with a “vigorous defense.” He also said he met DePape on Monday night for the first time and had not seen the police reports yet.
“We’re going to be doing a comprehensive investigation of what happened. We’re going to be looking into Mr. DePape’s mental state, and I’m not going to talk any further about that until I have more information,” Lipson said.
The Pelosi family had asked for a Zoom link to be able to watch Tuesday’s proceedings, but the judge said she did not get the request ahead of time.
The attack on Paul Pelosi, 82, sent shock waves through the political world days before the Nov. 8 midterm elections.
Threats against lawmakers and elections officials have been at all-time highs in this first nationwide election since the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the Capitol, and authorities have issued warnings about rising extremism in the country.
DePape faces state charges of attempted murder, burglary and elder abuse. He also faces federal charges, including attempted kidnapping of a U.S. official. Those charges are outlined in an affidavit detailing the assault.
In Washington, U.S. Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger said the attack on Pelosi’s husband was “an alarming reminder of the dangerous threats elected officials and public figures face during today’s contentious political climate.”