Pelosi attacker planned to wear unicorn costume and post interrogation online
David DePape, the man accused of attacking the husband of Nancy Pelosi with a hammer last year, told a federal jury how his fringe political beliefs brought him to the Pelosis’ home to interrogate the former house speaker.
In emotional testimony that lasted for more than an hour, DePape offered detailed insight into his motivations that evening in October, which he described as part of a bigger plan to end corruption in the United States.
He wanted to speak to Pelosi about Russian involvement in the 2016 election, he said, and planned to wear an inflatable unicorn costume and upload his interrogation of her online. Instead, in the early hours of 28 October 2022, he found 82-year-old Paul Pelosi and bludgeoned him, prosecutors say.
Paul Pelosi leaves the Phillip Burton federal building and US courthouse after testifying in the trial of David DePape in San Francisco, California, on 13 November.
DePape has pleaded not guilty to attempted kidnapping of a federal official and assault on the immediate family member of a federal official with intent to retaliate against the official for performance of their duties. Prosecutors say he was carrying rope and zip ties during the attack, which took place days before the US midterms.
Read more: The Guardian (UK)