Overview

• U.S. District Judge Deborah Boardman sentenced Nicholas John Roske, who goes by Sophie, to 97 months in prison and lifetime supervised release for attempting to assassinate Justice Brett Kavanaugh.
• Prosecutors had sought at least 30 years to life under federal guidelines, calling the shorter term “woefully insufficient,” and the Department of Justice has announced it will appeal.
• Attorney General Pam Bondi told senators Roske will not be placed in a women’s facility, citing Bureau of Prisons practice as the case moves toward appellate review.
• In explaining the downward variance, Boardman cited Roske’s remorse, mental-health struggles and decision to call 911, and referenced a presidential executive order on transgender inmate placement and access to care.
• Roske was arrested in June 2022 near Kavanaugh’s Maryland home with a firearm and tools after traveling from California; he later pleaded guilty in April 2025, and the sentence has drawn calls from some Republicans to impeach the judge.