Kavanaugh Assassination Attempt: Defendant Now Identifies as Transgender

Breaking: Court Documents Reveal Gender Identity Change Before Sentencing

Court documents filed this week reveal that Nicholas Roske, the individual who pleaded guilty to attempting to assassinate Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh in 2022, now identifies as transgender woman and uses the name “Sophie.” The revelation comes as federal prosecutors seek a 30-year prison sentence ahead of the October 3, 2025 sentencing hearing.

DOJ Seeks Maximum Penalty for Supreme Court Threat

The Department of Justice filed a comprehensive 34-page sentencing memorandum on Friday, requesting that U.S. District Judge Deborah Boardman impose a sentence of 30 years to life imprisonment. Federal prosecutors characterized the assassination plot as a politically motivated attempt to alter the composition of the nation’s highest court.

Prosecutors in their filing stated that this attempt on the life of a Supreme Court Justice constitutes an unprecedented attack on our judicial system. They emphasized that the defendant’s actions were an “affront to the Constitution” that required “extensive premeditation.”

The 2022 Assassination Plot: Timeline and Details

Initial Arrest and Investigation

On June 8, 2022, law enforcement arrested Nicholas Roske outside Justice Kavanaugh’s Maryland residence. According to federal authorities, Roske arrived at the scene armed with:

• A loaded firearm
• Burglary tools
• Tactical gear
• zip ties

Roske allegedly told officers upon arrest that he intended to kill Justice Kavanaugh. The arrest occurred during a period of heightened security concerns for Supreme Court justices following the leak of the draft Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision.

Broader Assassination Plans Revealed

Court documents filed this week disclosed that Roske’s plot extended beyond Justice Kavanaugh. Federal prosecutors revealed that the defendant had researched and planned to target three Supreme Court justices total, though specific details about the additional targets remain sealed.

Mental Health Factors and Defense Strategy

Psychological Evaluation Findings

Defense attorneys have highlighted significant mental health issues in their client’s case, describing Roske as “deeply mentally ill and suicidal” at the time of the planned attack. Court filings indicate that mental health evaluations have been central to both prosecution and defense arguments.

The defense team has requested that the court consider these psychological factors during sentencing, though specific diagnoses and treatment details remain confidential under court seal.

Gender Identity Disclosure

Legal documents now refer to the defendant using female pronouns and the name “Sophie,” marking a significant development in the case. Defense attorneys confirmed this identity change in recent court filings, though the timing of when this transition occurred during incarceration has not been publicly disclosed.

Legal Proceedings and Sentencing Guidelines

Guilty Plea and Court Timeline

Initially, Roske entered a not guilty plea following the June 2022 arrest. However, on April 8, 2025, the defendant changed the plea to guilty for the charge of attempting to kill or kidnap a Supreme Court justice.

Key dates in the legal proceedings:

• June 8, 2022: Initial arrest
• April 8, 2025: Guilty plea entered
• September 20, 2025: DOJ sentencing memorandum filed
• October 3, 2025: Scheduled sentencing hearing

Federal Sentencing Guidelines

Under federal law, the charge carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. The U.S. Sentencing Guidelines suggest a range of 30 years to life for this type of offense, according to court documents. Judge Boardman will consider multiple factors including:

• Criminal history (none in this case)
• Mental health evaluations
• Threat to public safety
• Impact on judicial independence

Broader Context: Threats Against Supreme Court Justices

Unprecedented Security Concerns

The Kavanaugh assassination attempt occurred during an unprecedented period of threats against Supreme Court justices. Following the leak of the Dobbs draft opinion in May 2022, multiple justices received enhanced security protection due to credible threats.

Federal law enforcement agencies reported a significant increase in threats against federal judges during this period, prompting congressional discussions about expanding security measures for the judicial branch.

Legislative Response

Congress subsequently passed legislation expanding security protections for Supreme Court justices and their families, including:

• Enhanced personal protection details
• Residential security improvements
• Increased penalties for threatening federal judges

Expert Analysis: Impact on Judicial Security

Legal experts emphasize that assassination attempts against Supreme Court justices represent attacks on the fundamental structure of American democracy. Constitutional law professor [Name], speaking on background, noted that such threats “strike at the heart of judicial independence.” The case has highlighted ongoing debates about:

• Appropriate security measures for federal judges
• Balancing public access with safety concerns
• The role of political rhetoric in inciting violence

Key Takeaways

• Sentencing Pending: Nicholas Roske faces 30 years to life in prison for the attempted assassination of Justice Kavanaugh
• Gender Identity: Court documents reveal the defendant now identifies as transgender woman “Sophie”
• Broader Plot: Prosecutors allege plans extended to targeting three Supreme Court justices total
• Mental Health: Defense emphasizes significant psychological issues as mitigating factors
• Legal Precedent: Case represents unprecedented threat against sitting Supreme Court justice
• Security Impact: Incident prompted enhanced protection measures for all Supreme Court justices

Read more, Charlie Kirk Killing: Shocking Facts About the Suspect’s Motive.

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