Full Breakdown
DOJ Appeals Eight-Year Sentence for Kavanaugh Assassination Plotter
6/23/2026, 1:54:46 AM
DOJ Appeals Eight-Year Sentence for Kavanaugh Assassination Plotter
The Department of Justice has appealed the eight-year sentence imposed by Judge Deborah Boardman on Sophie Roske, who pleaded guilty to plotting to assassinate Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. Prosecutors seek 30 years to life, arguing the current term is insufficient for a domestic-terrorism-enhanced offense.
Plot Details and Arrest
On June 7, 2022, Roske flew from Los Angeles to Dulles with a Glock 17, ammunition, lock-picking tools, zip ties, pepper spray, and a knife. In Montgomery County, Maryland, she approached Justice Kavanaugh’s home, saw U.S. Marshals, called 911 and surrendered, ending the plot.
Principal Actors
Sophie Roske, 26, transgender woman and former Eagle Scout; Judge Deborah Boardman, sentencing judge; Department of Justice, appealing party; defense attorneys Richard Finci, Jeffrey Lichtman, Tamara Holder; U.S. Marshals who guarded Justice Kavanaugh.
Chronology of Key Events
June 7, 2022 – Roske departs LAX for Dulles with weapons.
October 2025 – Sentenced to eight years; DOJ seeks 30-year term.
April 2026 – Plea changed to guilty.
June 22, 2026 – Appeal filed; opening brief due Monday.
Sentencing Data
Roske is 26. The sentence is eight years in prison followed by lifetime supervised release. Federal guidelines recommend 30 years to life. The weapon cache included a Glock 17 with laser sight and lock-picking equipment.
Government and Judicial Statements
The DOJ called the sentence “woefully insufficient” and urged a harsher penalty to deter attacks on the judiciary. Judge Boardman labeled Roske’s conduct “absolutely reprehensible” but noted remorse, no prior record, and possible hardships in a male-only prison under a Trump executive order. Defense counsel said gender-identity factors had limited effect and that sentencing guidelines are advisory, not mandatory.
Prosecutorial Critique and Defense View
Prosecutors argue the eight-year term does not match the seriousness of an attempted assassination of a Supreme Court Justice, a co-equal branch of government. Defense attorneys note judges have broad discretion, no mandatory minimum applies, and the sentencing rationale appears thorough.
Disputed Factors in Sentencing
Sources differ on how heavily Roske’s transgender status affected sentencing: some call it a primary mitigating factor, while defense lawyer Richard Finci says its impact was limited. The exact influence of the Trump executive order on the judge’s decision also remains unclear.
Key Direct Quotations
- “Sophie’s depression remained unresolved at least in part due to her gender dysphoria, which was not being addressed by her treatment.” — Judge Deborah Boardman
- “Woefully insufficient.” — Department of Justice official
- “The plot to kill a Supreme Court justice strikes at the heart of one of our pillars of democracy, and sentencing guidelines are merely advisory.” — Jeffrey Lichtman, criminal-defense attorney
- “Judges have broad discretion in sentencing. Judge Boardman went to great lengths to analyze the evidence … to sentence Ms. Roske to eight years.” — Tamara Holder, attorney
Future Legal Proceedings
The Fourth Circuit will review whether the sentencing judge abused discretion or misapplied the terrorism enhancement. Its ruling could shape future penalties for threats against the judiciary and may spur legislative proposals to tighten sentencing mandates.
