Transgender Woman Sentenced 8 Years for Attempted Kavanaugh Assassination

Sophie Roske, a transgender woman formerly known as Nicholas Roske, was sentenced to over eight years in federal prison for attempting to assassinate Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh at his Maryland home in 2022. Roske had meticulously planned the attack, carrying weapons and tools, but ultimately abandoned the attempt after noticing law enforcement presence and called 911 to report her suicidal and homicidal intentions. Despite prosecutors seeking a sentence of at least 30 years, Judge Deborah Boardman, who referred to Roske using female pronouns and considered her transgender identity in sentencing, imposed a significantly lighter sentence of 97 months followed by lifetime supervised release. The judge described Roske's conduct as "reprehensible" but acknowledged her remorse, lack of prior criminal history, and decision to surrender as mitigating factors. The Justice Department has expressed dissatisfaction with the sentence and plans to appeal, emphasizing the serious threat Roske posed to the judicial system. Roske apologized to Kavanaugh and his family during the hearing, acknowledging the lasting impact of her actions.