Pelosi's Residence Intruded, Husband Attacked with Blunt Object; Charged with Assault and Attempted Kidnapping
Department of Homeland Security: Suspect is Canadian Citizen... Typically Allowed 6-Month Stay
Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, and her husband Paul Pelosi. [Image source=Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Sung-wook] David DePape (41), who was charged with assaulting the husband of U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, has been revealed to have been an undocumented immigrant. Due to this, reports have emerged that DePape may be deported from the United States after criminal punishment.
On the 3rd (local time), the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced that DePape, who assaulted Pelosi's husband Paul Pelosi with a blunt weapon, is a Canadian citizen and was illegally residing in the U.S. at the time of the crime. It is known that DePape originally targeted Speaker Pelosi, who is third in the U.S. presidential line of succession. He broke into the residence shouting, "Where is Nancy, where is Nancy," searching for Speaker Pelosi. At that time, Pelosi was in Washington, and her husband Paul Pelosi, who was at home, was attacked and suffered a skull fracture requiring surgery.
According to CNN, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) requested notification before DePape’s release to federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Since deportation occurs after the criminal case concludes, he is not immediately subject to removal. However, authorities are expected to seek deportation following DePape’s conviction and sentencing. Typically, Canadians visiting the U.S. for tourism or business can stay for six months without a visa. DePape reportedly entered the U.S. through San Ysidro, near the California-Mexico border, in March.
Earlier, it was revealed that DePape was suffering from delusions. The New York Times tracked his activities through Linda Schneider (65), who was acquainted with him. Schneider stopped contact after DePape sent her emails around 2012 identifying himself as Jesus Christ, which she found dangerous.
DePape’s blog contained numerous posts steeped in conspiracy theories. He denied the mass gas killings at Auschwitz concentration camp and posted videos defending Adolf Hitler. There were also conspiracy theories related to COVID-19 vaccines and expressions of hatred and mockery toward Jews, Black people, Democrats, the media, and transgender individuals.
The police arrested DePape on the day of the crime on charges including attempted murder, elder abuse, breaking and entering, and assault with a dangerous blunt weapon. On the 31st of last month, federal prosecutors charged DePape with assault and attempted kidnapping, but he is reported to be pleading not guilty.
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