Federal prosecutors are seeking a minimum 30-year prison sentence for Sophie Roske, who pleaded guilty to attempting to assassinate Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh in June 2022. In a court filing, prosecutors described the plot as “bone-chilling” and characterized it as a direct attack on the U.S. judicial system. They argued that Roske’s intent was to influence the decisions of the Supreme Court’s conservative majority, presenting the act as a grave threat to judicial independence and constitutional order.
The U.S. Attorney for Maryland reinforced this perspective, stating that targeting judges to alter legal rulings constitutes an extreme form of domestic terrorism. According to the filing, such acts fundamentally undermine the Constitution and threaten the rule of law. The document also highlighted ongoing threats against members of the Court, referencing a letter that mentioned Roske and made further violent threats against Justice Kavanaugh, thereby underscoring the lasting danger posed by such rhetoric and actions.
Defense attorneys, however, have asked the court to consider a significantly reduced sentence of eight years. They pointed to Roske’s long history of mental health struggles and emotional instability, noting that she now identifies as a transgender woman named Sophie, though the case continues under her previous legal name. The defense has made a point of respecting Roske’s gender identity in court proceedings. Their argument emphasizes that her actions were not the result of ideological extremism, but rather the consequence of deep psychological distress and untreated mental illness.
Supporting this position, the defense submitted a handwritten apology letter Roske wrote to Justice Kavanaugh and his family. In the letter, Roske expressed sincere remorse for causing fear and acknowledged the broader impact of her actions on political discourse and public trust. Her attorneys claimed she was suffering from emotional turmoil, low self-esteem, and the side effects of psychiatric medication at the time of the incident. They argued that this context should be taken into account and viewed as a mitigating factor during sentencing.
Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a rare public statement supporting the prosecutors’ recommendation. She described the attempted assassination as a serious attack on the judiciary and warned that failing to deliver a strong sentence could set a dangerous precedent. Bondi emphasized the importance of accountability in cases that threaten the integrity of democratic institutions. Her public comments reflect the heightened concern within federal law enforcement regarding politically motivated violence and the need for deterrence.
Roske was arrested near Justice Kavanaugh’s Maryland home after traveling from California with weapons and tools intended for the attack. She initially approached the residence but turned away after noticing visible security measures. She then contacted her sister, who persuaded her to call 911. Roske complied and peacefully surrendered to local authorities. While the defense argues that her decision to stand down and seek help shows remorse and a willingness to take responsibility, the prosecution maintains that the severity of the original plan demands a substantial prison sentence. As the case nears its final sentencing, it highlights the complex intersection of mental health, public safety, and the protection of the judicial system in an increasingly polarized society.
