Sophie Roske, who pleaded guilty earlier this year to attempting to kill Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh in 2022, received a sentence of eight years and one month in prison on Friday in Greenbelt, Maryland. Roske, who was arrested under a male name but now identifies as a woman, entered her guilty plea in April for charges related to the attempted murder or kidnapping of a Supreme Court justice.
The 97-month sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Deborah Boardman, who also mandated that Roske undergo lifetime supervised release following her prison term. In a surprising turn, the Justice Department announced plans to appeal the sentence, with Attorney General Pam Bondi labeling it as “woefully insufficient” and asserting that it fails to reflect the “horrific facts of this case.” Prosecutors had originally sought a much harsher 30-year sentence.
During the sentencing, Judge Boardman acknowledged Roske’s mental health struggles, noting that she expressed remorse for her actions. Roske herself spoke briefly in court, extending an apology to Justice Kavanaugh and his family for the “considerable distress” she caused. “I sincerely apologize to the justice and his family for the considerable distress I have put them through,” she said, further admitting that her actions were “selfish and misguided.” Roske lamented being portrayed as a monster and stated, “this tragic mistake I have made will follow me the rest of my life.”
In a prior court motion, prosecutors had argued for a much tougher sentence, citing that Roske’s actions constituted a “preplanned, coldblooded murder” attempt against Kavanaugh in his own home. In the early morning hours before her arrest, Roske was spotted by U.S. Marshals stepping out of a cab near Kavanaugh’s residence. Shortly thereafter, she called an emergency line, disclosing her suicidal thoughts and the presence of a firearm in her possession. During this call, Roske revealed that she had traveled from California specifically to kill a Supreme Court justice, as detailed in court filings.
Upon her arrest, authorities found Roske in possession of an arsenal that included a black tactical chest rig, a Glock 17 pistol with two loaded magazines, pepper spray, zip ties, a hammer, a screwdriver, and various other tools and equipment. According to an affidavit, Roske had meticulously planned the attack, having traveled across the country with these items in pursuit of her violent objective.
In her plea agreement, Roske admitted to her intentions to attack Kavanaugh and disclosed that she had aimed to kill three Supreme Court justices in a bid to “single-handedly alter the constitutional order for ideological ends.” Prosecutors noted that her plans intensified following the leak of a draft Supreme Court decision that ended federal protections for abortion rights, which sparked widespread protests and political unrest.
The prosecution also highlighted that Roske had conducted several alarming internet searches prior to her arrest, including inquiries about how to inflict lethal harm and methods to break into a locked space. Furthermore, a map saved in her Google account indicated her tracking of the homes of four sitting Supreme Court justices, underscoring the premeditated nature of her actions.
During the sentencing hearing, federal prosecutors showcased some of the disturbing materials found in Roske’s possession at the time of her arrest, including a tactical vest, zip ties, and a lock-pick set. Justice Department prosecutor Coreen Mao emphasized that Roske’s actions were rooted in a singular, focused mission that amounted to terrorism—a clear attempt to intimidate and influence government officials.
While Roske’s legal team did not contest her actions leading up to the planned attack, they pointed to her ongoing mental health challenges as a significant factor that warranted consideration in sentencing. They argued for a sentence of eight years in prison, accompanied by 25 years of supervised release. In a heartfelt letter to Judge Boardman earlier this month, Roske expressed her remorse for her conduct, stating, “I put them through a harrowing experience and for that I am truly sorry. I am very glad I did not continue.” She also acknowledged her role in contributing to a troubling trend of political violence that is increasingly present in American society.
As this case unfolds, it raises vital questions about the intersection of mental health, political discourse, and the safety of public officials. The Justice Department’s intent to appeal the sentence suggests a strong commitment to addressing what many see as a dangerous precedent regarding threats against the judiciary.
