Nicholas Roske, who now identifies as “Sophie” and uses female pronouns, was sentenced to 97 months, roughly eight years, in federal prison on Friday for the attempted murder of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh.
The sentence, handed down by U.S. District Judge Deborah Boardman, a Biden appointee, comes despite prosecutors pushing for at least 30 years behind bars.
In June 2022, Roske, then 26, traveled from California to Maryland armed with a Glock pistol, tactical knife, zip ties, and other gear, intending to assassinate Kavanaugh in retaliation for the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.
Roske was arrested outside the justice’s home after calling 911 on himself, expressing suicidal thoughts.
Roske pleaded guilty in April to the attempted murder charge.
During the proceedings, defense attorneys argued for a reduced sentence, citing Roske’s mental health struggles, including depression and “gender dysphoria.”
Roske, who grew up in a Christian conservative family, reportedly battled mental health issues during the COVID-19 pandemic, stopped therapy and medication, and began questioning his gender.
Letters to the judge from family members highlighted how Roske’s “closeted” transgender identity contributed to the breakdown and expressed concern about him being able to “transition” to a woman while in prison.
Roske also wrote a letter apologizing for his assassination plot.
“I am also sorry for contributing to a trend of political violence in American politics,” Roske wrote in a letter to the judge, which added that he was “raised by conservative Christian parents who loved me and still love me.”
“So when Dobbs came around, I was still in the closet and had not been taking medicine or going to therapy for two years,” he said. “When the draft leaked my self esteem was at rock bottom, along with my hope for the future.”
Mother and Relatives of Would-Be Kavanaugh Assassin Plead for Leniency Because He’s ‘Transgender’
Prosecutors, however, emphasized the gravity of the politically motivated attack, pointing to Roske’s online posts discussing the potential impact of killing a justice and preparation for the act. They sought a 30-year sentence under federal guidelines, which recommend 30 years to life for such crimes.
With good behavior, Roske could be out of prison in as little as four years.
Judge Boardman sentences Rosie to 97 months in prison, which is what his lawyers asked for. Sentencing guidelines called for 30 years, but she undid most of the terrorism enhancement. He could be out in 4 years with good behavior.
— Luke Rosiak (@lukerosiak) October 3, 2025
Judge Boardman, who has faced criticism for past rulings, including one against parents seeking to opt out of LGBTQ-themed school lessons (later reversed by the Supreme Court), opted for a lighter penalty.
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