DOJ Seeks 30-Year Sentence as Would-Be Kavanaugh Assassin Now Identifies as Trans Woman

Lead: U.S. prosecutors asked a Maryland federal court Friday to sentence Nicholas Roske-who pleaded guilty to attempting to assassinate Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh-to at least 30 years in prison, noting in court filings that Roske now identifies as a transgender woman named Sophie Roske.

Nut Graf: The Justice Department’s sentencing memorandum underscores both the gravity of Roske’s premeditated plot and her legal team’s request to use female pronouns, highlighting ongoing debates over gender identity in high-profile criminal cases.

Prosecutors’ Argument In their Sept. 19 filing, DOJ lawyers described Roske’s actions as “an affront to the Constitution” and urged application of a terrorism enhancement, arguing that targeting a Supreme Court justice for ideological reasons “strikes at the core of the United States government”. They detailed Roske’s extensive preparations in May and June 2022, including purchasing weapons, studying assassination methods and mapping the homes of multiple justices.

Defendant’s Gender Identity Roske’s counsel filed a separate document stating that, “out of respect for Ms. Roske,” all future pleadings and oral arguments would use the name Sophie and female pronouns. Although Roske has not legally changed her name, she will be referred to as Sophie in court.

Case Background On June 8, 2022, Roske travelled from California to Maryland, arriving outside Kavanaugh’s Chevy Chase residence armed with a Glock 17, ammunition, tactical gear and burglary tools. After seeing U.S. Marshals on duty, Roske called 911, expressing suicidal thoughts and admitting intent to kill the justice before ending her own life. She was arrested without incident. Roske pleaded guilty on April 8, 2025, to attempting to kill or kidnap a Supreme Court justice.

Next Steps Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 3 before U.S. District Judge Deborah Boardman. Roske faces a guidelines range of 30 years to life, with credit for time served since her 2022 arrest.

Broader Implications The case comes amid heightened concerns over threats to judicial officials and debates over accommodating gender identity in legal proceedings. Attorney General Pam Bondi condemned the plot as “political violence” and warned that “attempts on the life of a Supreme Court justice cannot go unpunished”.