New judge takes over Paul Pelosi attack suspect's case

San Francisco, California - A new judge will be taking over the criminal case against David DePape, the man facing attempted murder and other state charges in connection with the attack against Paul Pelosi in San Francisco last month.

A courtroom artist's representation of David DePape, the suspect in the attack on Paul Pelosi.
A courtroom artist's representation of David DePape, the suspect in the attack on Paul Pelosi.  © REUTERS

Prosecutors and DePape's public defender met for a status hearing on Monday, when it was announced that San Francisco County Superior Court Judge Stephen Murphy would be taking over the case, said Randy Quezada, communications director for the San Francisco district attorney's office.

Though the initial judge assigned to the case, Loretta Giorgi, had previously said she worked with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's daughter, according to Quezada, the potential conflict of interest "was not objected to by us or defense counsel," he said.

Jessie Seyfer, a spokesperson for the San Francisco public defender's office, also confirmed that there "was no issue with the previous judge."

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"The case was assigned a new judge... which is customarily what happens as cases proceed toward trial – cases often have a different judge for preliminary hearings and trials than they do for arraignments," Seyfer said.

In a statement earlier Monday, District Attorney Brooke Jenkins said DePape's preliminary hearing was confirmed for December 14.

DePape involved in far-right conspiracies and antisemitism

Paul Pelosi was attacked in his home with a hammer on October 28.
Paul Pelosi was attacked in his home with a hammer on October 28.  © REUTERS

DePape (42) faces charges of attempted murder, first-degree residential burglary, elder abuse, assault with a deadly weapon, and threatening family members of public officials, Jenkins said.

He also faces federal charges in connection with the attack on the husband of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi: one count of assault upon an immediate family member of a US official with the intent to retaliate against the official on account of the performance of official duties; and one count of attempted kidnapping of a US official on account of the performance of official duties, according to a criminal complaint released this month by the Department of Justice.

During the October 28 attack, DePape allegedly broke into the Pelosis' home where Paul Pelosi was asleep, authorities said. DePape demanded to see the House speaker, who was not at home. He allegedly hit Pelosi on the head with a hammer after police arrived, authorities said.

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A Canadian citizen, DePape moved to California more than 20 years ago and was in the US illegally, according to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

An LA Times review of his online accounts showed that he has been involved in the world of far-right conspiracies, antisemitism, and hate.

Cover photo: REUTERS

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