A man from California who attempted to murder Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh in response to the leaking of a draft opinion set to overturn Roe v. Wade has been sentenced to eight years and one month in federal prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release.
Nicholas Roske, who now identifies as a trans woman named “Sophie,” received the sentence from federal judge Deborah Boardman, appointed by President Biden. This ruling was a setback for federal prosecutors who had sought a sentence of 30 years to life. The defense requested that Roske serve eight years with an additional 25 years of supervised release.
According to prosecutors, “The defendant’s actions and intent, which were determined, focused, and undeterred for months, posed extreme danger to the lives of multiple sitting judges, their families, and the constitutional judicial system.” This was outlined in their sentencing memo submitted on September 26.
They further emphasized that the sentence should convey a strong message to both Roske and others contemplating violent acts to undermine judicial independence, asserting, “The ends do not justify the means, and the repercussions of such actions outweigh any potential perceived benefits.”
Roske was apprehended outside Kavanaugh’s home in Maryland in June 2022, armed with a Glock 17 pistol, ammunition, a tactical light, zip ties, pepper spray, and burglary tools. He confessed to authorities that he intended to kill Kavanaugh after the Supreme Court’s draft decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health was leaked the previous April by Politico.
After arriving by taxi from Dulles International Airport in Virginia around 1 a.m., he observed U.S. Marshals stationed at Kavanaugh’s home, which led him to abandon his plans.
Instead of approaching the residence, he walked down the street and took a call from a relative.
Shortly afterward, Roske dialed 911, expressing suicidal and homicidal thoughts and requesting psychiatric assistance.
In court, he expressed remorse to Kavanaugh, his family, and other justices for any fear he had caused.
“I have been portrayed as a monster, and this tragic mistake will haunt me for the rest of my life,” Roske stated.
In a written statement to the court, Roske also expressed regret for contributing to a trend of political violence, acknowledging the destructive nature of his actions and his shame for not recognizing their implications sooner.
The prosecution claimed Roske had extensively researched information about three Supreme Court justices over 60 times and conducted over 100 searches about gun purchases.
In a message to another user via an encrypted platform, Roske claimed that assassinating a justice could influence the court’s decisions for decades, stating, “I am shooting for 3,” referencing his anger over potential repeal of Roe v. Wade and same-sex marriage.
He also researched methods to avoid leaving evidence, the insanity defense, and how mass murderers are treated in prison. Prosecutors noted that Roske texted a family member during his taxi ride, believing it would be his final communication before committing violent acts.
Defense attorneys contended in a counter-sentencing memo, supported by letters from family members, that Roske deserved leniency for voluntarily disclosing his intent to commit the crime, surrendering peacefully, and cooperating with law enforcement after his arrest.
This memo also highlighted Roske’s history of mental illness and noted the harsh conditions faced by transgender individuals in federal prisons.
Recently, legal representatives began referring to their client as “Sophie Roske,” using female pronouns in court documentation despite no formal name change.
Roske reportedly struggled with major depression after graduating high school and attempted suicide at least once. His mental health deteriorated after halting therapy due to the pandemic in March 2020, and he was allegedly “acutely suicidal” leading up to the attempt on Kavanaugh’s life.
“The desire to kill [Kavanaugh], coupled with her purchase of tools and firearm, was secondary to her long-standing wish to end her own life,” Roske’s attorneys argued.
During the sentencing proceedings, Judge Boardman raised concerns about whether Roske, identified as a “transgender woman,” would have access to hormone therapy or be assigned to a facility appropriate to her gender identity, due to policies implemented by former President Trump, as reported by The Daily Caller.
Defense attorneys noted that Roske came out as a transgender woman in 2020 but did not disclose this to her family until recently, and began undergoing gender transition procedures while in custody.
With Post wires
