Washington, D.C. — October 4, 2025
Sophie Roske, formerly known as Nicholas Roske, has been sentenced to 8 years and 1 month in federal prison after pleading guilty to attempting to murder U.S. Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. The sentencing took place earlier today in a federal court in Maryland.
According to court documents, Roske traveled from California to Maryland in June 2022, armed with a handgun, knife, and other tools, with the stated intent to kill Justice Kavanaugh. Roske was apprehended near the justice’s home after calling 911 on themselves and revealing the plan to authorities.
During the trial, Roske’s defense cited mental health struggles and personal identity issues, but the court emphasized the seriousness of the threat against a sitting Supreme Court justice.
Prosecutors argued that the attempt was politically motivated and posed a direct threat to judicial independence and public safety. “This was a premeditated and dangerous act targeting one of the highest members of our judiciary,” said U.S. Attorney John Doe (name hypothetical for this sample).
Roske’s legal name change to Sophie was acknowledged during proceedings, though it played no formal role in the sentencing.
Justice Kavanaugh has not made a public statement following the verdict.
