A resident from California who tried to kill 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 handed down by U.S. District Judge Deborah Boardman was notably less severe than what the Justice Department had recommended.
Sophie Roske, a transgender individual formerly known as Nicholas Roske, faced a potential life sentence but was given eight years and one month behind bars by Judge Boardman, along with a lifelong court supervision order. Prosecutors had sought a minimum of 30 years in prison, the lower end of the sentencing guidelines range.
Roske, then 26 years old, was found in possession of a firearm, a knife, zip ties, and burglary tools when she arrived at Kavanaugh’s residence in Chevy Chase, Maryland, shortly after 1 a.m. on June 8, 2022. Upon noticing U.S. Marshals guarding the property, Roske continued down the street and later contacted her sister before dialing 911, admitting to suicidal and homicidal thoughts and requesting psychiatric assistance.
Judge Boardman highlighted that law enforcement was unaware of Roske’s intentions until she voluntarily disclosed her plan by calling 911. While condemning Roske’s actions as “reprehensible,” the judge acknowledged that she abandoned the plot before authorities detected her presence near Kavanaugh’s home.
Roske expressed remorse to Kavanaugh and his family, acknowledging the distress she caused them. She stated that the incident has stained her reputation and will haunt her for life.
The judge recognized the harm inflicted on Kavanaugh and his family by Roske’s actions, emphasizing that despite Kavanaugh’s position as a Supreme Court justice, he is still a human being.
Following her arrest, Roske revealed to investigators that she was enraged by a leaked Supreme Court draft opinion regarding Roe v. Wade, a significant abortion rights case. She also cited her anger over the Uvalde, Texas school shooting and her belief that Kavanaugh would support loosening gun control laws.
Roske’s case underscores the growing threat of political violence in a deeply divided country, with a substantial increase in threats and inappropriate communications targeting federal judges and court personnel over recent years.
Having pleaded guilty to attempted assassination without a plea agreement, Roske faced contrasting recommendations from prosecutors and her defense team on the length of her prison term. Prosecutors labeled her actions as “terrorism” against the U.S. Constitution, while Roske’s lawyers cited her mental health struggles and remorse for her misguided actions.
Roske’s attorneys highlighted her mental health challenges and struggles with gender identity, noting that she had recently resumed receiving gender-affirming care. They attributed her actions to untreated mental illness and isolation, emphasizing that despite her crisis, she did not harm anyone.
Prosecutors rejected the notion that Roske’s mental health issues justified her actions, stressing the need for a punitive sentence to deter similar behavior in the future. Roske’s parents also apologized to Kavanaugh during the sentencing hearing, expressing regret for not providing better support and care to their daughter during her struggles.