San Francisco, CA – Opening statements began on Thursday for the trial of David DePape, the man accused of breaking into House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s San Francisco home, assaulting her husband with a hammer, and attempting to kidnap her. The attack, which occurred just days before last year’s midterm elections, sent shockwaves through the political world and highlighted the potential consequences of conspiracy theories and misinformation that spread online.

DePape, a Canadian citizen who moved to the United States over 20 years ago, is facing charges of attempted kidnapping of a federal official and assault on the immediate family member of a federal official. The prosecution alleges that DePape posted extremist rants online and expressed belief in baseless conspiracy theories.

During the trial, it was revealed that DePape had been homeless and struggling with drug abuse and mental illness in recent years. Federal prosecutors stated that DePape broke into the Pelosis’ mansion, armed with a hammer, zip ties, and the intent to hold Nancy Pelosi hostage.

The attack, captured on the officers’ body cameras, showed Paul Pelosi being struck in the head with a hammer, resulting in a skull fracture and injuries to his arm and hands. Following the assault, DePape allegedly told authorities that he had other targets in mind, including a women’s and queer studies professor, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, actor Tom Hanks, and President Joe Biden’s son Hunter.

If convicted, DePape faces life in prison. He was also charged in state court with attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, elder abuse, residential burglary, and other felonies, all of which he pleaded not guilty to. A state trial has not yet been scheduled.