Man Gets Trial Date After Allegedly Trying To Kill Supreme Court Justice

The trial date has been scheduled for Nicholas John Roske, who was accused of trying to assassinate Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh.

At a Glance

A trial is scheduled for June 2025 for Nicholas John Roske, charged with attempting to assassinate Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh.
U.S. District Judge Peter Messitte set the trial date during a hearing at the federal courthouse in Greenbelt, Maryland.
The case’s first hearing in nearly two years, it relates to the Roe v Wade deliberations.
Roske pleaded not guilty to the charge, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.

Trial Month Set for Alleged Assassination Attempt on Justice Kavanaugh

The trial for Nicholas John Roske, who is accused of attempting to assassinate Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, has been officially scheduled for June 2025. This announcement was made by U.S. District Judge Peter Messitte during a hearing at the federal courthouse in Greenbelt, Maryland.

June trial date set for Nicholas John Roske, the man accused of trying to assassinate Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaughhttps://t.co/jD4Q1mnr74 pic.twitter.com/Fu5yJnSw9A

— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) August 20, 2024

Roske was arrested in June 2022 near Kavanaugh’s home in Chevy Chase, Maryland. He was allegedly armed with a gun, a knife, and zip ties and was dressed in black. Roske arrived in the neighborhood by taxi just after 1 a.m. and was later apprehended by U.S. marshals assigned to the justices’ 24-hour security detail.

Allegations and Case Details

The allegations against Roske are serious. He reportedly told a police detective that he was upset by a leaked draft opinion suggesting the Supreme Court intended to overrule Roe v. Wade. Roske had allegedly written online that killing one jurist might impact the court “for decades to come” and added, “I am shooting for three.” He pleaded not guilty to attempting to murder a justice of the United States, a charge that carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.

This was the first hearing for the case in nearly two years. Judge Messitte emphasized the importance of public awareness due to the case’s high profile. Roske’s arrest, which shocked the nation, led the U.S. House to approve a bill expanding 24-hour security protection to the justices’ families.

Connection to Roe v Wade and Additional Implications

Roske reportedly had other concerns beyond the Supreme Court’s decision on Roe v Wade. He was worried about potential changes to gun laws following the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas. This case has drawn significant attention because many of Kavanaugh’s supporters perceived the attack as not just an isolated incident but part of a broader, ideological battle.

During a hearing in October 2022, Messitte indicated the likelihood was “very high” that he would issue an order for a mental fitness test for Roske to find out if he was in the proper state to stand trial.

Right now, Roske is currently jailed in Baltimore. He appeared in court in handcuffs and shackles and did not speak during the 20-minute hearing. No plea agreement was reached between the prosecutors and defense attorneys.

Jury selection is scheduled to begin on June 9, 2025, and the trial is expected to last about a week. This trial, because of its sensitive nature and its implications, especially given the contention surrounding the Roe v Wade deliberations, will undoubtedly attract significant public scrutiny.

“Selecting a jury in this case may take a little longer.” Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathleen Gavin stated.

Roske’s arrest after calling 911 to state his intention to take his own life near Kavanaugh’s home raises questions about his mental state. Defense will likely emphasize this aspect during the trial, but it’s unclear if a mental health evaluation will be requested.

More details will emerge as the trial date approaches, but the incident and the upcoming trial highlight the risks faced by public officials in an increasingly polarized environment.