A Nation on Edge: The Foiled Plot to Assassinate Supreme Court Justices
Beneath the surface of national outrage, a darker and more dangerous threat was quietly unfolding—one that nearly brought violence to the doorstep of America’s highest court.
Federal authorities have now revealed chilling new details about a meticulously planned assassination attempt targeting multiple Supreme Court justices.
Prosecutors describe the scheme as an “act of terrorism against the judiciary,” exposing a grim reality of ideological extremism turned deadly—and a narrowly averted crisis that could have shaken the foundations of American law.
The U.S. Department of Justice has unveiled a comprehensive sentencing memorandum detailing Nicholas “Sophie” Roske’s attempt to assassinate Justice Brett Kavanaugh—and potentially three other justices. Prosecutors paint a portrait of a carefully orchestrated domestic terror plot aimed at destabilizing the judicial branch.
Roske, who pleaded guilty to attempted assassination, now faces a minimum of 30 years in prison, as requested by federal prosecutors. The memorandum, filed in Maryland last Friday, outlines months of preparation: extensive online research, weapons acquisition, surveillance, and a cross-country journey culminating in his arrival at Justice Kavanaugh’s Maryland residence on June 8, 2022.
Disturbingly, the document reveals Roske’s intention to target multiple justices, including messages where he claimed to be “shooting for three,” referencing past judicial killings. Investigators uncovered a Google map on his device marking what he believed to be the home addresses of four Supreme Court justices.
According to the DOJ, Roske traveled from California to Virginia equipped with a Glock 17 pistol, ammunition, a knife, zip ties, tactical gear, and other items planned for the attack.
Upon arriving near Kavanaugh’s home, Roske noticed U.S. Marshals stationed outside, prompting a change of heart. He then contacted his sister, expressed regret, and called 911 to surrender. However, prosecutors argue that his decision to give up was prompted by the presence of law enforcement rather than a genuine change of conscience.
The report details a methodical and deliberate pattern of planning, including troubling internet searches such as “most effective way to silently kill someone,” “how to break glass quietly,” and “countries least likely to extradite to the U.S.” Roske purchased his firearm and accessories in late May 2022, practiced shooting at a range, researched justices’ locations, and attempted to erase his digital trail before his trip.
Prosecutors link Roske’s motive to the volatile political climate following the leaked draft opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization—the ruling that would overturn Roe v. Wade. His anger over abortion rights and gun control issues fueled his deadly intent, with messages questioning what might happen if a conservative justice were to die.
Conclusion:
This newly released Justice Department memorandum exposes how perilously close the nation came to a constitutional crisis. Roske’s plot serves as a grim warning of how ideological fervor can spiral into violent extremism. Though tragedy was narrowly averted outside Justice Kavanaugh’s home, the case highlights the urgent and growing threats faced by public officials. In a country deeply divided over some of its most contentious issues, safeguarding the judiciary’s integrity and security has never been more critical.