Man Admits Plot to Assassinate Three Supreme Court Justices
A man from California confessed to a plot to take the lives of three Supreme Court justices, in an attempt to disrupt the nation's constitutional order for his ideological goals, according to federal prosecutors. The alarming news was disclosed in a sentencing document for the man, Nicholas Roske.
Roske was apprehended near the residence of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh armed with a knife, a handgun, and an array of tools. He later pleaded guilty to planning to murder or abduct a Supreme Court justice. Prosecutors are urging for a prison sentence of 30 years to life, arguing that his actions were a severe offense against the Constitution and involved meticulous planning.
A Calculated Plan to Disrupt the Constitutional Order
Prosecutors have detailed how Roske meticulously planned his scheme, acquiring the necessary tools, traveling across the country, and even attempting to erase online evidence of his motivations and intentions. They described his plan to target and assassinate judges as a horrifying form of terrorism that undermines the very heart of the United States Constitution and our governing system.
They further characterized Roske's actions as "bone-chilling" and described his plan to murder Kavanaugh as a "pre-planned, cold-blooded" act based on the outcome of a specific case. They stressed the importance of ensuring that no judicial or court official, or their families, should live in fear of being attacked due to a judicial decision.
Evidence of a Sinister Plot
Evidence of Roske's plot was found in messages he posted on a social media platform. These posts referenced the Supreme Court's 1973 decision on the landmark case Roe v. Wade, following leaked information that suggested the high court was set to overturn the decision. The Supreme Court later did overturn Roe.
In his posts, Roske wondered about the potential repercussions if Kavanaugh were to die and noted the current conservative-majority balance in the Court. Later, he expressed his intention to prevent Roe v. Wade from being overturned and remove people from the Supreme Court.
Roske's disturbing messages didn't stop there. He talked about possibly eliminating at least one justice, which could change the Court's voting dynamics for decades to come. His ultimate goal was to target three justices.
Disturbing Online Research
Roske's Google searches were equally alarming. He researched how to silently kill someone and break locks, among other disturbing topics. He saved a map in his Google account, marking the homes of four Supreme Court justices. He also researched combat and body armor, shooting from long ranges, breaking into homes, and the Supreme Court itself. He focused extensively on Kavanaugh and three other justices.
Before his journey to Maryland, Roske searched for ways to erase his computer's drive and attempted to delete his social media account. He also researched what might happen after committing his planned crimes, including fleeing to countries without extradition treaties with the U.S. and potential defenses.
The Arrest
Roske flew from California to the Washington, D.C., area and took a taxi to Kavanaugh's house in Maryland. He arrived with a suitcase packed with a gun, ammunition, a knife, lock picks, a hammer, a crowbar, duct tape, hiking boots fitted with padding to silence his steps, and pepper spray.
When Roske realized that law enforcement was present outside Kavanaugh's house, he decided to walk past. After receiving a phone call from his sister, he called 911 himself. He was arrested by local police who discovered the weapons and tools in his luggage during a search.
Roske later confessed to planning to kill Kavanaugh and then himself, with the Supreme Court's draft opinion reversing Roe serving as a motivation. He also cited potential loosening of gun restrictions as another factor motivating his plans.
Prosecutors Seek Terrorism Enhancement
Prosecutors requested the judge to consider a terrorism enhancement in Roske's sentence. They argued that his actions were designed to intimidate the government and alter the Supreme Court's decisions for decades to come. They also emphasized that Roske planned to change an entire branch of the U.S. government through violence.
They also pointed out that Roske's actions have led to additional threats, including a letter received by Kavanaugh that mentioned Roske and included a reference to a gunshot to the justice's head.
This story highlights the growing concern about threats of violence against federal judges. It is an alarming reminder of the risks that these public servants face, and the importance of ensuring their safety.