Man Who Attempted to Assassinate Justice Kavanaugh Sentenced to Eight Years — Bondi Slams 'Insufficient' Punishment
A Maryland man who plotted to assassinate Supreme Court Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh was sentenced Friday to just over eight years in federal prison, following a case that ignited national debate over political extremism and the growing influence of radical gender ideology.
The defendant, formerly known as Nicholas Roske and now identifying as Sophie Roske, pleaded guilty to attempting to assassinate the conservative justice. Federal prosecutors said Roske was motivated by fury over the Dobbs v. Jackson draft opinion — the leaked Supreme Court decision that later overturned Roe v. Wade and returned abortion laws to the states.
Armed with burglary tools, a Glock pistol, and ammunition, Roske traveled across the country to Justice Kavanaugh’s home in Maryland, where prosecutors said the suspect planned to break in and kill him.
According to court filings, Roske ultimately abandoned the plan after noticing a heavy law enforcement presence outside Kavanaugh’s home. Roske then called police to confess.
A Sentence Critics Say “Defies Justice”
In a decision that shocked many conservatives, U.S. District Judge Deborah Boardman, a Biden appointee, sentenced Roske to 97 months (just over eight years) in prison — far below the 30-year term sought by federal prosecutors.
Attorney General Pam Bondi sharply criticized the ruling, announcing that the Justice Department will appeal the sentence, which she called “woefully insufficient.”
“The attempted assassination of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh was a disgusting attack against our entire judicial system by a profoundly disturbed individual,” Bondi said. “The Department of Justice will be appealing the woefully insufficient sentence imposed by the district court, which does not reflect the horrific facts of this case.”
Prosecutors argued that Roske’s actions were calculated and dangerous, noting that he had researched multiple justices before choosing Kavanaugh, who was appointed by President Donald Trump during his first term.
“The defendant’s actions and intent — which were determined, focused and undeterred for months — were extremely dangerous to the lives of multiple sitting judges, their family members and the constitutional judicial order,” Justice Department lawyers wrote in their sentencing memo.
A Judge’s Sympathy and a Broader Debate
Judge Boardman, however, appeared to accept much of the defense’s argument, claiming Roske had shown “remorse” and had taken steps to prevent further harm by contacting authorities. She also cited concerns about the difficulties Roske might face as a transgender inmate in federal custody.
Roske’s defense painted the attempted assassination as the product of mental health struggles and gender identity conflict. In a letter to the court, Roske said the plan was not “representative of who I am,” attributing the plot to emotional instability and isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I am very glad I did not continue,” Roske wrote. “I am also sorry for contributing to a trend of political violence in American politics. All I want is to go home to my friends and family and see what good I can do out in the world.”
But conservatives argue that remorse after the fact doesn’t erase intent, especially when the target was a sitting Supreme Court justice whose safety is critical to the functioning of the nation’s highest court.
A Chilling Reminder of Political Violence
Court filings show Roske began planning the attack as early as 2022, shortly after the Dobbs leak. His writings and search history revealed a fixation on conservative justices, particularly Kavanaugh, whose vote helped overturn Roe v. Wade.
The attempted assassination came amid rising threats against conservative figures, including judges, lawmakers, and pro-life activists — a pattern the Trump administration has repeatedly condemned as part of the Left’s escalating tolerance for political violence.
While Judge Boardman minimized the risk Roske posed, Attorney General Bondi’s response signals that the Trump Justice Department intends to hold would-be political assassins to the highest standard of accountability.