Nicholas John Roske, 28, is facing federal charges for attempting to assassinate Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh in June 2022. His trial is scheduled for June 9, 2025, in Maryland U.S. District Court. The charges include one felony count of attempting to kidnap, murder, or threaten a judge. Recently filed court documents provide more insight into Roske’s mindset at the time of the alleged assassination attempt.
Roske’s defense team has filed several motions seeking to suppress key evidence in the case. These motions argue that the police conducted a warrantless search of Roske’s belongings and that his interrogation was legally invalid due to his mental state. They claim that Roske was not read his Miranda rights before being questioned by investigators, and his mental health issues, including suicidal thoughts, meant his statements were not made voluntarily.
In a detailed transcript of his interrogation, Roske allegedly revealed that his initial plan was to kill Kavanaugh and then take his own life. He described his long-standing suicidal tendencies, saying he had been “actively suicidal for a long time.” When asked about his motivations, Roske reportedly said he thought killing Kavanaugh would make the world a better place, particularly in the context of the leaked draft decision from the Supreme Court that ultimately overturned Roe v. Wade. He also mentioned that he considered other potential targets, such as pedophiles, but ultimately believed that killing Kavanaugh would have a more significant impact.
Roske’s decision to target Kavanaugh was reportedly influenced by the leaked draft of the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health decision, which he believed had a negative impact on civil rights. In his own words, Roske allegedly stated that he was acting “from a civil rights perspective,” hoping that his actions would result in a positive change before his death.
The defense’s motion to suppress evidence highlights the legal challenges ahead, including questions about the admissibility of Roske’s statements and the circumstances of his arrest. As the trial date approaches, the case is set to address complex issues related to mental health, the right to a fair trial, and the balance between law enforcement procedures and constitutional rights.
