GREENBELT, MARYLAND — A California man pleaded guilty Tuesday to attempting to kill U.S. Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, federal prosecutors announced.
Nicholas John Roske, 29, of Simi Valley, admitted that he traveled from California to Maryland in June 2022 with a firearm, ammunition, and burglary tools, intending to assassinate Justice Kavanaugh at his home in Montgomery County. He now faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.
“This calculated attempt on the life of a sitting U.S. Supreme Court Justice was a heinous attack on the Court itself,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Anyone who thinks they can use violence or intimidation to influence our courts will be met with the full force of the law and face up to life in prison.”
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland, Roske flew from Los Angeles to Dulles International Airport on June 7, 2022, with a handgun and ammunition in his checked luggage. He then took a taxi to Justice Kavanaugh’s neighborhood.
Around 1:05 a.m. the next day, two Deputy U.S. Marshals assigned to protect the Justice observed Roske exiting the taxi near the home wearing black clothing and carrying a backpack and suitcase. As they approached, Roske walked away down the street.
Roske later called 911 and told a dispatcher he was experiencing suicidal and homicidal thoughts, had a gun, and had come from California with the intent to kill Justice Kavanaugh. Montgomery County Police responded and took him into custody without incident.
A search of Roske’s belongings revealed a Glock 17 pistol, two loaded magazines, a tactical knife, zip ties, duct tape, lock-picking tools, pepper spray, a hammer, screwdrivers, and padded hiking boots. He later told law enforcement that he was upset about a leaked Supreme Court draft opinion on abortion and the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas.
“The attempted assassination of a United States Supreme Court Justice is an extreme, brazen act,” said U.S. Attorney Kelly Hayes. Later adding, “We are committed to relentlessly pursuing and prosecuting those who are involved in planning and executing acts of violence against others.”
FBI Director Kash Patel added, “Nicholas Roske sought to commit a despicable, premeditated attack on a Supreme Court Justice, and today is another step toward accountability.”
Roske’s sentencing is scheduled for Friday, October 3, 2025, at 10 a.m. before U.S. District Judge Deborah L. Boardman. He faces up to life in federal prison.
The case was investigated by the FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, Montgomery County Police Department, and Supreme Court Police. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas M. Sullivan and Coreen Mao.
