Federal prosecutors are seeking a minimum 30-year prison sentence for Sophie Roske, who pleaded guilty to attempting to assassinate Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh in June 2022. In a court filing, prosecutors described the plot as “bone-chilling” and a direct attack on the U.S. judicial system, arguing that such an act was intended to influence decisions by the court’s conservative majority.

The U.S. Attorney for Maryland stated that targeting judges to alter legal rulings constitutes an extreme form of domestic terrorism and undermines the Constitution. The filing also mentioned continued threats to justices, including a letter referencing Roske and making violent threats against Justice Kavanaugh.

Defense attorneys have asked for a significantly reduced sentence of eight years. They cited Roske’s longstanding mental health issues and shared that she now identifies as a transgender woman named Sophie. The legal case, however, remains under her previous legal name. The defense emphasized respect for Roske’s gender identity in their court communications.

According to the defense, Roske’s actions were influenced by emotional distress, self-esteem challenges, and medication side effects. They submitted a handwritten apology letter to Kavanaugh and his family, in which Roske expressed remorse for causing fear and for contributing to political violence.

Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a rare public statement supporting the prosecutors’ sentencing recommendation. She described the attempt as an attack on the judiciary and emphasized the need for accountability in such a serious case.

Roske was arrested near Kavanaugh’s Maryland home after arriving from California carrying weapons and tools. She initially approached the residence but walked away upon seeing security, then contacted her sister. At her sister’s urging, Roske called 911 and surrendered peacefully to local authorities. The case remains under judicial review ahead of final sentencing.