Nicholas John Roske, a 29-year-old resident of Simi Valley, California, pleaded guilty to the attempted murder of a United States Supreme Court Justice. The plea was announced by Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, along with various federal and local law enforcement officials.
The act was described by Attorney General Pamela Bondi as a "calculated attempt on the life of a sitting U.S. Supreme Court Justice, a heinous attack on the Court itself." Bondi emphasized that anyone attempting to use violence or intimidation to influence the courts would face severe legal repercussions, including life imprisonment.
U.S. Attorney Hayes condemned the "extreme, brazen act" and highlighted the importance of partnerships between federal, local, and state law enforcement agencies in maintaining the rule of law and holding criminals accountable. FBI Director Kash Patel remarked on the premeditated nature of Roske's actions and reinforced the commitment to investigating and prosecuting violent attacks against both public officials and private citizens.
The investigation, which involved the FBI, Montgomery County Police Department, U.S. Marshals Service, and the Supreme Court Police Department, revealed Roske's actions on June 7, 2022. Roske traveled from Los Angeles to Maryland with a firearm, and upon arrival in Montgomery County, approached the home of a Supreme Court Justice.
Law enforcement observed Roske near the Justice's residence and swiftly intervened. Roske later called authorities, expressing homicidal and suicidal thoughts, and admitted his intent to kill the Justice. When apprehended, Roske was found with a range of weapons and burglary tools. He later expressed his motives, which were influenced by a leaked Supreme Court decision on abortion and a school shooting in Uvalde, Texas.
Roske's guilty plea means he could face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Sentencing is set for October 3. In closing, U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the cooperative effort of all agencies involved in the investigation and prosecution, specifically highlighting the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas M. Sullivan and Coreen Mao.
For further details about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office and their ongoing efforts against violent crime and for national security, information is available on their official website.