The man accused of invading the home of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and attacking her husband, Paul Pelosi, has been immersed in the world of conspiracy theories, including the belief that the 2020 elections were stolen.
David DePape, 42, is in custody and faces charges of attempted homicide, assault with a deadly weapon, elder abuse, burglary and other felonies for breaking into the Pelosis last Friday in San Francisco. He hit Paul Pelosi in the head with a hammer and asked, “Where’s Nancy?” repeatedly.
On social media, DePape appears to embrace false claims that the 2020 presidential election was rigged, as promoted by former President Donald Trump and his allies.
He also supported other conspiracy theories. In blog posts attributed to DePape, he published content related to antisemitic language, claims that there is a “communist” agenda in schools and spread many of the tropes by conspiracy group QAnon, which alleges without evidence that prominent figures engage in pedophilia.
People close to DePape describe him as an odd character.
Despite signs of politically-fueled hate, the police did not confirm what motivated the crime.
Democrats, however, believe that false election fraud rhetoric influenced it.
“While the motive is still unknown we know where this kind of violence is sanctioned and modeled,” Rep. Jackie Speier (D-Calif) tweeted.
