A resident of California who tried to assassinate U.S. Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh at his Maryland residence has been sentenced to more than eight years in prison by a federal judge. The sentence imposed by U.S. District Judge Deborah Boardman is notably less severe than what the Justice Department had recommended.
Sophie Roske, a transgender individual formerly known as Nicholas Roske, was facing a potential life sentence but received a term of eight years and one month behind bars, followed by lifelong court supervision. Prosecutors had sought a minimum of 30 years in prison, at the lower end of the sentencing guidelines range.
Roske, 26 at the time, was found with a pistol, knife, zip ties, and burglary tools when dropped off near Kavanaugh’s home in Chevy Chase, Md., in the early hours of June 8, 2022. Upon seeing U.S. Marshals guarding the residence, Roske continued walking down the street, eventually calling 911 to report suicidal and homicidal thoughts, seeking psychiatric assistance.
Judge Boardman noted that law enforcement was unaware of Roske’s intentions until she voluntarily reported them to 911. While condemning Roske’s actions as “reprehensible,” the judge acknowledged her decision to abandon the plot before being detected near Kavanaugh’s residence, labeling the case as unusual.
Roske expressed remorse and apologized to Kavanaugh and his family for the distress caused. She described the incident as a tragic mistake that would have lasting consequences.
The sentencing hearing highlighted the impact of Roske’s actions on Kavanaugh and his family, with the judge emphasizing the human aspect of the Supreme Court justice.
Following her arrest, Roske admitted being angered by a leaked opinion related to Roe v. Wade, as well as issues such as gun control laws and a school shooting in Texas. Prosecutors revealed that Roske targeted multiple Supreme Court justices, believing that their elimination could influence future court decisions significantly.
Roske’s case underscores the growing threat of political violence in a divided society, as evidenced by the increasing number of threats directed at federal judges and court personnel in recent years.
Despite struggling with mental health issues and gender identity, Roske pleaded guilty to attempted assassination without a plea agreement. Her legal team highlighted her remorse and the impact of untreated mental illness on her actions, emphasizing her decision to halt the plot before causing harm to others.
While Roske’s parents apologized to Kavanaugh during the sentencing, prosecutors maintained that mental illness should not excuse her actions. The sentencing aimed to send a strong message condemning vigilantism and ensuring accountability for such behavior.
