Title: California Woman Sentenced to Over 8 Years for Kavanaugh Assassination Attempt

GREENBELT, Md. — A California woman was sentenced to more than eight years in prison for her attempt to assassinate U.S. Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh at his home in Maryland. Sophie Roske, who was charged under her legal name Nicholas Roske, received a sentence of eight years and one month, significantly less than the 30 years recommended by prosecutors. U.S. District Judge Deborah Boardman imposed the sentence on Friday, noting that Roske had faced a maximum penalty of life in prison.

Roske, 26 at the time of the incident, was found with a pistol, a knife, zip ties, and burglary tools when she arrived outside Kavanaugh's residence in Chevy Chase, Maryland, in the early hours of June 8, 2022. Upon noticing two U.S. Marshals guarding the home, she walked away and called her sister. Shortly after, she dialed 911, expressing suicidal and homicidal thoughts and requesting psychiatric help. Judge Boardman stated that law enforcement was unaware of Roske's intentions until she reported her actions to 911.

The judge described Roske's actions as "reprehensible" but acknowledged her decision to abandon the assassination plot before being detected. "This is an atypical defendant in an atypical case," Boardman remarked. Roske expressed remorse, apologizing to Kavanaugh and his family for the distress she caused. "I have been portrayed as a monster, and this tragic mistake that I made will follow me for the rest of my life," she said before the sentencing.

The judge recognized that Roske's actions inflicted "real harm" on Kavanaugh and his family, emphasizing that while Kavanaugh is a Supreme Court justice, he is also a human being. Following her arrest, Roske told investigators she was motivated by anger over a leaked draft opinion indicating the Supreme Court might overturn Roe v. Wade, as well as frustration over the Uvalde school shooting. She believed Kavanaugh would support loosening gun control laws.

Roske's case highlights the increasing threat of political violence in the U.S. The number of threats against federal judges and court employees has surged, with incidents rising from 926 in 2015 to 4,511 in 2021, according to the U.S. Marshals Service.

During the sentencing, Assistant U.S. Attorney Coreen Mao described Roske as a "very real threat to our system of government," noting that she had previously sent messages indicating a desire to harm other justices. Mao urged the judge to impose a lengthy sentence to deter similar actions in the future.

Roske's defense sought leniency, citing her lack of a criminal history and her mental health struggles. The judge also considered the implications of a presidential executive order that would place Roske, a transgender woman, in a male prison facility. Kavanaugh and his family did not attend the sentencing or submit a victim impact statement.

Roske's attempt to assassinate Kavanaugh has drawn attention to the rising violence against judicial figures. Following her guilty plea earlier this year, she was ordered to forfeit the items seized during her arrest, which included a Glock 17 pistol, ammunition, and other weapons. In addition to her prison sentence, Roske must pay a $100 special assessment fee.