The man accused of attacking Nancy Pelosi’s husband was caught up in conspiracies, defense says
NBCOCT 2023
David DePape Found Guilty in Paul Pelosi Hammer Attack
Image copyright: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images News [via Getty Images]
The Spin
Democratic narrative
This attack was a predictable and tragic product of the dangerous rhetoric and toxic conspiracy theories spewing from the far-right. Their message of "survivalism" makes it sound as though defeating those on the other side of the political spectrum is a life-or-death matter. The right-lurching GOP must be held accountable for its extremism and the violence it inspires.
Republican narrative
It's quite amazing to watch liberal San Francisco switch to a tough-on-crime stance when one of their own gets attacked. After endless news coverage of this incident calling DePape an unhinged far-right attacker, 55% of prospective jurors surveyed ahead of the trial said they already believed he was guilty. While DePape should be held accountable for his inexcusable actions, It's no surprise he didn't receive the prosecutorial leniency so often promoted by these progressives.