Federal prosecutors have revealed disturbing new details in the case of a California man who pleaded guilty in the Kavanaugh attempted assassination plot. Nicholas Roske, who traveled across the country in 2022 intending to kill Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh.

He also targeted at least three other members of the high court. According to the Justice Department, his motive was to “single-handedly alter the constitutional order for ideological ends.”

Leaked draft opinion suggests Supreme Court may overturn Roe v. Wade - CBS News

Microsoft Word - Roske - Sentencing Memorandum - for filing.docx

Premeditated Plot to Kill Supreme Court Justices

Roske was arrested outside Kavanaugh’s Maryland home in June 2022 carrying a Glock 17 pistol, ammunition, knife, lock picks, pepper spray, and tools designed for a break-in. He admitted in April 2024 to attempting to kill or kidnap a Supreme Court justice.

In a sentencing memorandum filed Friday, prosecutors urged the court to impose a 30 years-to-life sentence, calling his plan an “abhorrent form of terrorism.”

“The defendant’s objective — to target and kill judges to seek to alter a court’s ruling — is an affront to the Constitution,” prosecutors wrote. “It strikes at the core of the United States system of government.”

Full filing: Justice Department Sentencing Memorandum (PDF)

Messages, Searches, and Targeted Justices

Prosecutors revealed Roske left a troubling trail of evidence online before his arrest. His Discord messages in May 2022 referenced overturning Roe v. Wade after the leak of the draft opinion.

• On May 18, he wrote: “What do you think would happen if [Kavanaugh] died?”
• On May 27, he posted: “I’m gonna stop Roe v Wade from being overturned … remove some people from the Supreme Court.”
• He later wrote: “I could get at least one, which would change the votes for decades to come. And I am shooting for 3.”Drone Wars: $400 FPV Drone Shatters World Record, Wrecks Russian Warship - USA Herald

Roske also Googled “how much force do you need to stab someone’s neck” and saved a map with the homes of four justices pinned.

According to CBS News, prosecutors said his online history included research into guns, silencers, body armor, and countries without U.S. extradition treaties.

Arrest Outside Kavanaugh’s Home

On June 8, 2022, Roske flew from California to Maryland, arriving at Kavanaugh’s home at 1 a.m. Surveillance footage shows him earlier at a gun shop purchasing the firearm used in his plan.

When confronted by U.S. Marshals outside the justice’s home, Roske hesitated. After a phone call with his sister, he dialed 911, confessing his intent. Police arrested him shortly after, recovering the weapons and tools from his luggage.

He later admitted to investigators that the Supreme Court’s pending reversal of Roe v. Wade and potential loosening of gun laws motivated his actions.

Broader Threat to Judicial Independence

The Justice Department is asking the court to apply a terrorism enhancement, arguing Roske attempted to influence or intimidate government functions through violence.

“No judicial or court official, or their family, should have to live under the fear and mental toll that they could be gunned down based on a judicial decision,” prosecutors said.

Chief Justice John Roberts warned in his 2023 year-end report about the rising threats against federal judges, emphasizing the need for strong protections. Justice Amy Coney Barrett has also publicly acknowledged receiving death threats (CBS News Interview).

The case highlights the growing concern over judicial safety following divisive rulings and unprecedented political tensions.