A Plot Against the Court: Inside Nicholas Roske’s Foiled Assassination Attempt
At first glance, Nicholas “Sophie” Roske looked like any other traveler making his way to the East Coast. But inside his suitcase was more than clothing. He was carrying a Glock 17 pistol, tactical gear, zip ties, and a plan that federal prosecutors now describe as a domestic terror plot aimed squarely at the heart of America’s highest judicial body.
A newly unsealed Justice Department sentencing memo lays out in disturbing detail what prosecutors say was a months-long plan to assassinate Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh—and possibly others. Roske’s motive: anger over recent court decisions, particularly the leaked draft opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health, which would soon overturn Roe v. Wade.
An Operation Months in the Making
According to federal prosecutors, Roske’s actions weren’t imCourt filings reveal that Roske began preparing well before his June 2022 arrest. He conducted online searches about how to kill silently, researched countries without U.S. extradition treaties, and acquired a firearm and tactical supplies weeks in advance. He also practiced at a firing range and tried to erase digital footprints from his phone and computer before setting out on his cross-country trip.
His target wasn’t random. His destination was Justice Kavanaugh’s home in Maryland.
On June 8, 2022, Roske flew from California to Washington, D.C., then took a taxi to the justice’s neighborhood. In addition to the pistol, he brought a knife, zip ties, pepper spray, and burglary tools. A map later found on his device showed the addresses of multiple justices, including notes that he was “shooting for 3.”
The Turning Point
As he arrived near Justice Kavanaugh’s residence, Roske sawpulsive. They were calculated.
U.S. Marshals stationed outside—a show of force in the wake of threats following the Dobbs leak. That visible security presence caused him to pause.
Prosecutors say it wasn’t guilt or moral clarity that stopped him. It was the likelihood of being caught.
Roske contacted his sister. Then, shortly after, he called 911 and turned himself in, telling the dispatcher he was having suicidal thoughts and had come to kill a Supreme Court justice.
He was arrested on the spot without incident.
Ideology Turned to Violence
Prosecutors argue that Roske was driven by deeply held political grievances, especially related to abortion rights and gun laws. Messages uncovered during the investigation revealed an intent to “alter the balance” of the Supreme Court and speculation about what might happen if a conservative justice were to “die.”
In their sentencing recommendation, the Justice Department calls the act a premeditated attempt to subvert the judicial system through violence, and urges a minimum sentence of 30 years. The memo states plainly: “This was an act of terrorism.”
🔹 Conclusion: A Chilling Close Call
The case of Nicholas Roske underscores just how dangerously political rage can spiral. Armed with intent, tools, and a carefully crafted plan, he came within feet of one of the nation’s most consequential judicial figures—during a time of immense legal and societal tension.
Though Roske ultimately surrendered, prosecutors warn that his decision to back down was tactical, not redemptive. Their message is clear: this was not a failed protest — it was an attempted assassination.
And while the plot was foiled, it exposed a disturbing truth: even in the shadow of the Constitution, the threat of ideological violence is real — and closer than we think.