Nicholas John Roske, 29, of Simi Valley, California, was sentenced Friday to eight years and a month in federal prison for attempting to kill a U.S. Supreme Court Justice, Brett Kavanaugh
The Department of Justice advocated for a sentence of at least 30 years to life.
“Politically motivated violence has no place in our society,” said U.S. Attorney Kelly O’Hayes for the District of Maryland. “The attempt to assassinate a Supreme Court Justice is an extreme, unconscionable act that must be met with the full weight of the law. We, along with our federal partners, are committed to relentlessly pursuing, prosecuting, and punishing anyone involved in planning and executing these brazen, violent crimes. Violence against others will not be tolerated.”
KTLA News Report Three Years Ago
As part of a guilty plea, Roske admitted that on June 7, 2022, he flew from Los Angeles to Dulles with a firearm and ammunition in his checked luggage, then took a taxi to Montgomery County, intending to kill a Supreme Court Justice.
At about 1:05 a.m. on June 8, Deputy U.S. Marshals guarding the Justice’s home saw Roske arrive in dark clothing with a backpack and suitcase. After noticing security, Roske circled the house, then called 911 to report homicidal and suicidal thoughts, admitting he had flown from California to kill the Justice.
Montgomery County police arrested him and recovered a firearm, ammunition, tactical gear, burglary tools, and other items from his bags.
After being Mirandized, Roske said he was motivated by the leaked draft decision on abortion and the Uvalde school shooting. He admitted he intended to “break in [and] shoot” the Justice.
The FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, Montgomery County Police, and Supreme Court Police investigated the case.