In a disturbing display of brutality, Nicholas John Roske, aged 29 from Simi Valley, California, has admitted guilt for his attempt to murder a U.S. Supreme Court Justice, highlighting an intentional and planned assault on the core of the American judiciary.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi called the attempt “a heinous attack on the Court itself,” warning that anyone trying to use violence to influence the justice system would face the “full force of the law,” including a potential life sentence.
FBI Director Kash Patel condemned Roske’s behavior as "reprehensible" and emphasized that no acts of violence, whether directed at public officials or ordinary citizens, would be accepted.
"We are committed to pursuing justice for everyone involved in such acts," he pledged.
The failed assassination attempt occurred late at night on June 8, 2022, after Roske traveled from Los Angeles to Maryland carrying a lethal collection of weapons.
His objective was ominously straightforward: assassinate a U.S. Supreme Court Justice. Upon reaching the Justice’s residence with a suitcase containing an unsettling inventory of weaponry, he was arrested by Deputy U.S. Marshals.
In his luggage, officials found an alarming collection of instruments—a mix of firearms, combat equipment, zip ties, a crowbar, and devices used for picking locks—all intended for use in a vicious killing. In addition to these lethal objects, Roske admitted to police that current happenings had profoundly affected him, particularly a disclosed preliminary ruling by the Supreme Court regarding abortion rights and the tragic incident at the Uvalde elementary school.
This was an extremely bold move," stated U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes. "Attacks on our highest court or any public officials will not be accepted.
Roske now confronts the possibility of spending his entire life behind bars, with the sentencing scheduled for October 3rd. This case vividly underscores the pervasive threat of violent extremism plaguing our society and highlights the unwavering drive for justice that remains committed to safeguarding the principles of the law.
The FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, along with local law enforcement, received praise for their rapid reaction, thwarting what might have turned into a devastating assault.
The prosecution of this case is led by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas M. Sullivan and Coreen Mao, who are receiving support from the Counterterrorism Section within the Department of Justice’s National Security Division.