A resident from California who attempted to assassinate U.S. Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh at his home in Maryland has been sentenced to over eight years in prison by a federal judge. Sophie Roske, a transgender woman formerly known legally as Nicholas Roske, faced a potential life sentence but was given a sentence of eight years and one month in prison, followed by lifelong court supervision. This sentence, imposed by U.S. District Judge Deborah Boardman, was more lenient than the recommended 30-year prison term from prosecutors.
Roske, then 26 years old, was found in possession of a pistol, a knife, zip ties, and burglary tools when she arrived outside Kavanaugh’s residence in Chevy Chase, Maryland, in the early hours of June 8, 2022. Observing two U.S. Marshals guarding the property, Roske continued walking down the street and later called 911, expressing suicidal and homicidal intentions and requesting psychiatric assistance.
The judge noted that law enforcement was unaware of Roske’s plan until she voluntarily reported it by calling 911. Despite describing Roske’s actions as “reprehensible,” Judge Boardman acknowledged her decision to abandon the plot before being detected by authorities near Kavanaugh’s home.
Following her arrest, Roske expressed regret for the distress caused to Kavanaugh and his family, acknowledging the portrayal of herself as a monster due to the incident. Roske’s actions were influenced by anger over various events, including a leaked Supreme Court opinion on Roe v. Wade, a school shooting in Texas, and concerns about gun control laws.
Roske had researched information on Supreme Court justices, home addresses, and methods for breaking into homes, as well as engaging in encrypted conversations about harming judges. Despite pleading guilty to attempted assassination without a plea agreement, Roske’s attorneys highlighted her mental health struggles and recent acknowledgement of her transgender identity. They emphasized her remorse and the steps taken to address her mental health while in custody.
The sentencing hearing also saw Roske’s parents apologizing to Kavanaugh, expressing regret for not providing better support to their daughter during her personal struggles. Prosecutors maintained that mental illness should not excuse the seriousness of Roske’s actions and called for a strong sentence to deter similar behavior in the future.