A California man has admitted to attempting to kill a U.S. Supreme Court Justice. Nicholas John Roske, 29, from Simi Valley, California, entered a guilty plea in Greenbelt, Maryland. This plea was announced by several officials, including Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, and Attorney General Pamela Bondi. FBI Director Kash Patel and other law enforcement leaders were also present at the announcement.
"This calculated attempt on the life of a sitting U.S. Supreme Court Justice was a heinous attack on the Court itself," Bondi stated. "Anyone who thinks they can use violence or intimidation to influence our courts will be met with the full force of the law and face up to life in prison."
Hayes commented on the nature of the crime, saying, "The attempted assassination of a United States Supreme Court Justice is an extreme, brazen act, one that we — along with our federal, local, and state law-enforcement partners — will not tolerate."
Roske flew from Los Angeles to Dulles with a firearm in his baggage, intending to kill the Justice. On reaching Montgomery County, Maryland, he approached the Justice's residence but was noticed by Deputy U.S. Marshals. He then called Montgomery County Emergency Communications, expressing homicidal and suicidal thoughts.
The police responded and arrested Roske, discovering various weapons and tools in his possession. Roske admitted his intentions were fueled by his feelings about a leaked Supreme Court decision and a recent school shooting.
His crime could result in a life sentence, with the sentencing scheduled by U.S. District Judge Deborah L. Boardman for October 3. Hayes praised the cooperation between the FBI, U.S. Marshals, Montgomery County Police, and the Supreme Court Police in Roske’s apprehension.
