A federal judge is facing backlash from conservatives after sentencing Nicholas Roske—who now identifies as a transgender woman named Sophie—to eight years in prison for attempting to assassinate U.S. Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh in 2022. The Department of Justice had sought a 30-year sentence, but U.S. District Judge Deborah Boardman cited Roske’s immediate confession, cooperation with authorities, and mental health struggles as mitigating factors in her decision.

Critics, including conservative figures like Mike Davis and author M.A. Rothman, called the sentence “pathetic” and accused the judge of prioritizing gender identity over justice. On social media platform X (formerly Twitter), several users expressed outrage, with one stating that Boardman should be removed from the bench and another claiming the sentencing reflects a broader bias in favor of liberal ideologies.

In a letter submitted to the court ahead of sentencing, Roske expressed deep remorse and stated that he abandoned his plan outside Kavanaugh’s home after realizing the seriousness of what he was about to do. He asked the court for a chance to rebuild his life, citing a desire to seek therapy, reconnect with family, and avoid contributing further to political violence.

Judge Boardman, a Biden appointee and former public defender, acknowledged the severity of Roske’s actions, calling them “reprehensible,” but said the reduced sentence reflected his willingness to cooperate and long-standing mental health challenges. She also noted his abandonment of the plan as a key mitigating factor.

The Department of Justice has since announced it will appeal the sentence. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi criticized the eight-year term as “woefully insufficient,” arguing that it fails to reflect the gravity of the attempted attack and risks setting a dangerous precedent.