David DePape trial: Opening statements lay out right-wing conspiracy theories defense says led to Paul Pelosi attack

Opening statements began Thursday in the federal trial of David DePape, accused in the October 2022 hammer attack on Paul Pelosi, with the defense attorney laying out the outlandish conspiracy theories that drove DePape to seek out then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi at the couple's Pacific Heights home in San Francisco.  

ALSO READ: David DePape is on trial, accused of attacking Paul Pelosi in his home. Here's what to know.

Defense attorney Jodi Linker said the defense team would not dispute the government's video evidence of the attack that fractured Paul Pelosi's skull and DePape's other actions that night, but told jurors they would learn it was the result of a misguided crusade against what he perceived as a corrupt ruling class that needed to be taken down.