A transgender individual who attempted to assassinate Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh at his Maryland home in 2022 has received a lenient sentence, drawing widespread criticism. Nicholas Roske, who transitioned to the name Sophie Roske, was sentenced to 97 months in prison for attempting to kill Kavanaugh due to his pro-life stance.
Details emerged that Roske traveled from California to Washington, D.C., armed with a Glock 17 pistol and tools intended for breaking into Kavanaugh’s residence. She reportedly abandoned her plan after encountering U.S. Marshals outside the home and called authorities to turn herself in. Prosecutors had sought a minimum of 30 years in prison, but the judge imposed a sentence far below that recommendation.
Roske pleaded guilty in April, admitting she researched multiple Supreme Court justices’ homes with the intent to kill at least three. She traveled directly to Kavanaugh’s residence after arriving via cab from Dulles Airport but left upon seeing the protective detail. The judge cited her cooperation and doubts about the prosecution’s claims as factors in the reduced sentence.
The case has ignited debate over the severity of the punishment for an attempted assassination, with critics arguing it underestimates the threat posed to a sitting justice. Roske could be released within four years, pending good behavior, while facing lifetime supervised release.
