• Sophie Roske sentenced to 8 years and 1 month for attempting to assassinate Justice Kavanaugh.
• Judge noted Roske's mental health struggles and remorse, but condemned her actions as "reprehensible."
• Prosecutors sought a harsher sentence, citing the need to deter future threats against public officials.
• Roske admitted to planning the attack in response to political events and expressed deep regret during sentencing.
• The case underscores rising political violence and threats against judges in the U.S.

Sophie Roske, a California resident, received a sentence of eight years and one month for her attempted assassination of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh back in June 2022. U.S. District Judge Deborah Boardman imposed the sentence, which is notably less than the 30-year term sought by prosecutors, emphasizing that Roske had voluntarily called the police to report her intentions before any harm could occur. Judge Boardman described Roske's actions as “absolutely reprehensible" but acknowledged her mental health issues and expressed some hope for rehabilitation through supervised release following her prison term, according to CBS News and ABC News.

During the sentencing hearing, prosecutors painted Roske's actions as a serious threat to the judicial system, highlighting that she came prepared with a Glock pistol, tactical gear, and other tools intended for murder. They argued that such conduct constituted a form of domestic terrorism aimed at altering judicial outcomes. Prosecutor Coreen Mao stated, “No public official should live in fear of being killed at any moment for doing their job,” which underscores the growing concerns about threats against judges in the country, as referenced in India Times and Los Angeles Times.

Roske's guilty plea was informed by her reported mental health challenges and the political climate surrounding key Supreme Court rulings, particularly a leaked draft addressing abortion rights. At the sentencing, she expressed remorse, stating: “I sincerely apologize to the justice and his family for the considerable distress I have put them through,” according to court documents. She added how her actions stemmed from a misguided belief that she could stop judicial decisions against abortion rights and gun control, which she felt passionate about after recent events such as the Uvalde school shooting. This sentiment was echoed by her defense, which argued for a lesser sentence based on her mental health issues and lack of prior criminal history, in line with information from CBS News, ABC News, and India Times.

The case against Roske has drawn significant attention amidst increasing incidents of violence related to political and judicial figures in the U.S., which have quadrupled over the past several years. Her behavior was highlighted as particularly alarming, with the Justice Department expressing intentions to appeal against the leniency of her sentence, arguing that it fails to reflect the gravity of the crime committed, as reported by Los Angeles Times and ABC News.