Prosecutors Call for 40-Year Sentence for Pelosi Attacker, Alleging ‘Federal Crime of Terrorism’

Federal prosecutors have asked for a 40-year sentence for the man convicted of attacking former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s (D-Calif.) husband with a hammer, arguing that his crimes amount to terrorism and his punishment should be more severe than standard guidelines would call for. A sentencing memorandum, filed in U.S. District Court in San Francisco on May 10, indicates that David DePape has not shown any remorse and deserves no leniency for the two crimes he was convicted of last year—attempted kidnapping and assault on account of a federal official’s performance of official duties. The charges carry a maximum sentence of 20 years and 30 years, respectively, in prison. Prosecutors argued in the sentencing memo that a terrorism enhancement should be applied to Mr. DePape’s sentencing because his crimes were calculated to intimidate or retaliate against a government official and should be deemed a “federal crime of terrorism.”...