On Wednesday, a 26-year-old man from Simi Valley, California, was charged with the attempted murder of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh following a 911 call made by the suspect.
At approximately 1 a.m. on June 8, Nicholas John Roske allegedly arrived outside of Kavanaugh’s residence in Montgomery County, Maryland, dressed in black and armed with a gun, a knife, and zip ties. Roske reportedly obtained the justice’s home address online.
Two U.S. Marshals providing security services for Kavanaugh noticed Roske exiting a taxi near the justice’s home. Marshals are a part of the round-the-clock security granted to the justices following recent pro-abortion protests that have taken place in front of the residences of the Supreme Court justices.
Roske was arrested after calling 911, reportedly claiming to have suicidal thoughts and a plan to murder Kavanaugh. Roske allegedly had a Glock 17 pistol, ammo, a knife, zip ties, pepper spray, duct tape, and other items that he told authorities he would use to get into Kavanaugh’s residence and kill him, according to a criminal complaint and an affidavit filed in federal court in Maryland. He also stated that he would kill himself.
The suspect allegedly told police that he was upset over the leaked draft suggesting that the Supreme Court may overturn Roe v. Wade. Roske also stated that he was upset about the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, and reportedly expressed his belief that Kavanaugh would vote to “weaken gun control,” according to the affidavit.
During his 10-minute initial appearance in federal court in Greenbelt, Maryland, Roske paused many times before replying to routine questions from U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Sullivan.
“I think I have a reasonable understanding, but I wouldn’t say I’m thinking clearly,” Roske said when asked if he knew what was going on and if he was thinking clearly.
Roske reportedly stated that he is on medication, but he did not specify what it is or why he is taking it. He also added that he is a college graduate.
His next court appearance is scheduled for June 22. The maximum sentence for attempted murder is 20 years in prison.