A Troubled Mind and a Heavy Sentence: The Kavanaugh Assassination Attempt

A person who attempted to harm a Supreme Court judge received a significant but lesser punishment than expected. Judge Deborah Boardman sentenced Sophie Roske to approximately eight years in prison, far below the 30 years prosecutors sought.

The Incident

In 2022, Roske, armed with a gun and other tools, intended to harm Justice Brett Kavanaugh and possibly others at his residence. Roske surrendered voluntarily, a key factor in the reduced sentence.

Judge's Rationale

Judge Boardman stated that Roske's actions did not indicate a significant threat. The judge also believed Roske could benefit more from mental health treatment outside prison.

Diverging Opinions

Prosecutors argued for a harsher sentence to deter similar acts, citing increased threats against judges following Roske's actions. However, Judge Boardman remained uncertain whether Roske would have carried out the attack if not for the presence of security.

Roske's Remorse

Roske expressed regret, attributing their actions to mental health struggles and dissatisfaction with certain court rulings and a school shooting. This case underscores the importance of mental health awareness and the consequences of violent impulses.