U.S. Judge Sentences Kavanaugh Would-Be Assassin to 8 Years, DOJ Plans Appeal

Nicholas Roske, who attempted to assassinate Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh in 2022, was sentenced to just over eight years in prison by U.S. District Judge Deborah Boardman, a Biden appointee. The sentence drew sharp criticism from legal experts and politicians, including law professor Jonathan Turley and Senators John Kennedy and Tom Cotton, who argued that the punishment was excessively lenient compared to the 30 years recommended by prosecutors. Judge Boardman cited Roske's transgender identity and potential need for gender-related medical treatment as factors influencing the lighter sentence, a rationale that shocked many observers. Roske, who now identifies as Sophie, admitted to planning the assassination to influence Supreme Court decisions, particularly concerning Roe v. Wade, but ultimately called 911 and abandoned the plot. Critics contend that the judge's decision reflects a dangerous precedent of leniency tied to gender identity, with calls for investigations into the judge's conduct and potential impeachment. The case highlights ongoing tensions surrounding judicial discretion, transgender issues, and political violence in the U.S.