A resident from California who tried to assassinate U.S. Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh at his Maryland residence has been sentenced to over eight years in prison by a federal judge. Sophie Roske, a transgender individual charged under the name Nicholas Roske, faced a maximum life sentence but was given eight years and one month behind bars followed by lifelong court supervision by U.S. District Judge Deborah Boardman. Prosecutors had sought a minimum of 30 years in prison, which was the lower end of the sentencing guidelines range.
Roske, then 26, was found with a pistol, knife, zip ties, and burglary tools when dropped off by a taxi near Kavanaugh’s home in Chevy Chase, Maryland, around 1 a.m. on June 8, 2022. Upon seeing U.S. Marshals guarding the residence, Roske continued past and later called 911, admitting suicidal and homicidal thoughts, and seeking psychiatric help.
The judge noted that law enforcement was unaware of Roske’s intentions until she voluntarily reported herself. While condemning Roske’s actions as “reprehensible,” Boardman acknowledged her decision to abandon the plot before being detected in Kavanaugh’s neighborhood.
Expressing remorse, Roske apologized to Kavanaugh and his family for the distress caused. Roske remarked feeling unfairly portrayed and burdened by the mistake made, expressing regret that it would haunt her indefinitely.
Acknowledging the harm caused to Kavanaugh and his family, Boardman emphasized the humanity of the justice, stating, “He’s a justice of the Supreme Court, but he’s a human being.”
Roske attributed her anger and actions to a leaked draft opinion on Roe v. Wade, the Uvalde, Texas, school shooting, and concerns over gun control legislation. The case underscored the increasing threat of political violence in a polarized society, with threats against federal judges rising significantly over recent years.
Despite pleading guilty to attempted assassination without a plea agreement, prosecutors recommended a 30-year prison sentence, describing Roske’s actions as a form of terrorism undermining the U.S. Constitution. Roske’s attorneys sought an eight-year prison term, citing her remorse and commitment to addressing the trend of political violence.
The defense highlighted Roske’s mental health struggles and gender identity issues, noting her recent engagement with gender-affirming care while in custody. Roske’s parents also expressed regret and apologized to Kavanaugh during the sentencing, acknowledging their failure to address Sophie’s personal challenges adequately.
