Nicholas Roske, who now identifies as “Sophie,” was sentenced to 97 months in federal prison for his attempted murder of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. The sentence, issued by U.S. District Judge Deborah Boardman, a Biden appointee, falls far short of the 30 years sought by prosecutors. In June 2022, Roske traveled from California to Kavanaugh’s home armed with a Glock pistol, tactical knife, and zip ties, with plans to assassinate the justice in response to the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.
Roske’s journey took a desperate turn when he called 911 on himself, stating he was having suicidal thoughts. He later pleaded guilty to attempted murder. In his defense, his attorneys highlighted Roske’s mental health issues, including depression and what they termed “gender dysphoria.” The court learned that Roske, raised in a Christian conservative family, struggled significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic. He stopped therapy and medication, which led him to question his gender identity.
Family members expressed their concerns in letters to the judge, indicating that Roske’s struggles with his gender contributed to his breakdown. They voiced apprehension about his ability to transition in prison. In a heartfelt letter to the court, Roske apologized for his actions, acknowledging the impact of political violence. “I am also sorry for contributing to a trend of political violence in American politics,” he wrote, describing his frame of mind during the lead-up to the assassination attempt. Roske explained his mental state further, saying, “When the draft leaked my self-esteem was at rock bottom, along with my hope for the future.”
Prosecutors, however, noted the severity of the politically motivated attack. They pointed to Roske’s online discussions about the potential consequences of assassinating a justice and highlighted his preparation for the act. They requested a 30-year sentence under federal guidelines, which typically mandate a significantly longer punishment for such crimes.
Judge Boardman, despite the prosecutor’s recommendations, decided on a mere 97-month sentence, aligning with the request made by Roske’s defense team. Notably, this outcome markedly reduces the seriousness typically associated with such politically motivated violence. With good behavior, Roske could potentially be released in as little as four years.
This case raises questions surrounding the implications of political violence and the legal system’s handling of attempted high-profile assassinations. The judge’s decision to soften the potential punishment has sparked debate, especially against the backdrop of rising tensions in American politics.
"*" indicates required fields
