Nicholas John Roske, a 29-year-old from Simi Valley, California, entered a guilty plea to the charge of attempting to murder a U.S. Supreme Court Justice.
"This calculated attempt on the life of a sitting U.S. Supreme Court Justice was a heinous attack on the Court itself," stated Attorney General Pamela Bondi. "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."
FBI Director Kash Patel commented, "Nicholas Roske sought to commit a despicable, premeditated attack on a Supreme Court Justice and today is another step toward accountability. No violent attacks can be tolerated, whether those targeted are public officials or private citizens – and the FBI and our partners will aggressively investigate and bring to justice all those who engage in such plots."
"The attempted assassination of a U.S. Supreme Court Justice is an extreme, brazen act, one that we — along with our federal, local, and state law-enforcement partners — will not tolerate," added U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes for the District of Maryland. "It’s through these partnerships that we’re able to hold criminals accountable and uphold the rule of law. We are committed to relentlessly pursuing and prosecuting those who are involved in planning and executing acts of violence against others."
Roske's guilty plea includes admitting that on June 7, 2022, he traveled from Los Angeles International Airport to Dulles International Airport with a firearm and ammunition packed in his luggage. His subsequent moves led him to Montgomery County, Maryland, intending to assassinate the Supreme Court Justice.
According to records and government reports, Roske was witnessed by Deputy U.S. Marshals arriving by taxi at the justice's residence on June 8, 2022, around 1:05 a.m. He was dressed in black and had both a suitcase and a backpack. After seeing Roske, the marshals started to follow him on the street.
Roske confessed in a call to the Montgomery County Emergency Communications Center that he had violent thoughts and flew from California for the purpose of killing the justice.
Once in custody, a search of Roske's belongings discovered tactical gear, firearms, and other items suggesting intent to commit violence. His motivation, as revealed, was linked to his reaction to a leaked Supreme Court draft decision on abortion and anger over a school shooting.
Facing a potential life sentence, Roske is set to be sentenced on October 3 by U.S. District Judge Deborah L. Boardman. The court's final decision will consider various guidelines and factors.
The efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies were acknowledged by U.S. Attorney Hayes, pointing out the collaboration between the FBI, U.S. Marshals, and other local departments in handling the investigation. Prosecutors involved include Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas M. Sullivan and Coreen Mao, with Trial Attorney John Cella assisting from the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.