GREENBELT, Md. — A California man, Nicholas John Roske, 29, has pleaded guilty to attempting to assassinate U.S. Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, a serious charge stemming from an incident nearly three years ago. Roske was arrested on June 8, 2022, near Kavanaugh’s residence in Chevy Chase, Maryland, where he was found armed with a Glock pistol, a knife, zip ties, and other weapons, as reported by The Hill.

During his court appearance, Roske expressed his desire to plead guilty, even without a plea deal. His actions, which he admitted were motivated by frustration over a leaked draft opinion indicating the potential overturning of Roe v. Wade and anger over the Uvalde school shooting, have highlighted rising concerns about threats against Supreme Court Justices, according to The New York Times.

Authorities revealed that prior to the attempt, Roske had conducted significant planning, including searching for justices’ home addresses and purchasing tactical gear. Upon arriving in D.C., he called 911, indicating suicidal and homicidal thoughts and ultimately leading to his arrest by law enforcement guarding Kavanaugh’s residence, as detailed in HuffPost.

U.S. District Judge Deborah Boardman is set to impose sentencing on Oct. 3, where Roske faces a maximum penalty ranging from 30 years to life in prison. The prosecution emphasized the gravity of his actions and the implications they could have had on the Supreme Court. As Roske stated in court, "I will be telling the truth today." His plea signifies a rare legal proceeding connected to threats against a Supreme Court Justice and underscores the heightened vigilance surrounding judiciary safety amid increasing political tensions.

Roske's case reflects the growing alarm within judicial circles about violence targeting judges. Chief Justice John Roberts has raised concerns in the past, advocating for protective measures as incidents of threats escalate. The arrest following Roske’s actions led to legislative responses, notably a bill enhancing security for Supreme Court justices and their families, driven by fears over similar occurrences in the future.