Sophie Roske sentenced to eight years for assassination attempt on Justice Kavanaugh

In the United States, a significant legal case unfolded in June 2022 when Sophie Roske traveled from California to Maryland with the intent to kill Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. Armed with a Glock 17 pistol, numerous tools, and ammunition, Roske arrived outside Kavanaugh's home but was deterred by the presence of U.S. Marshals guarding the property. After spotting them, she called 911 on herself and confessed her plan to law enforcement, citing her distress over the leaked Dobbs decision regarding abortion rights as her motivation. Subsequently, she pleaded guilty in April 2023 to charges of attempting to kill or kidnap a Supreme Court Justice. On October 5, 2025, a court in Maryland sentenced Roske to eight years in federal prison, much shorter than the 30 years sought by federal prosecutors. U.S. District Judge Deborah Boardman took into account Roske's mental health struggles and her decision to report her own actions when determining the sentence. Prosecutors argued that a harsher penalty was necessary given the rising political violence in the United States, and they emphasized that Roske's actions represented a serious threat to the judicial system. Following the initial sentencing, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that the Department of Justice intended to appeal the decision, arguing the length of the sentence was insufficient for the crime committed. This case has sparked a broader dialogue about political violence and the protection of public officials in the current political climate, especially following other high-profile instances of violence against judges and political figures. The judge's decision has drawn criticism, and many officials and citizens alike have expressed outrage over what they perceive as a failure to adequately punish attacks on the judiciary. Roske's case highlights the complexities surrounding mental health issues in the context of violent crime, as defense attorneys pointed to her history of mental illness while the prosecution focused on the gravity of her actions against a high-ranking judicial official.