Terror in the Night: The man who came prepared to kill  Supreme Court Justice

In a chilling act of violence, Nicholas John Roske, 29, from Simi Valley, California, has pleaded guilty to attempting to assassinate a U.S. Supreme Court Justice, revealing a calculated and premeditated attack on the very heart of the U.S. judicial system.

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 decried Roske’s actions as “despicable” and made it clear that no violent act—whether against public officials or civilians—would be tolerated.

“We will relentlessly pursue justice for anyone involved in such acts,” he vowed.

The attempted assassination, which unfolded in the dead of night on June 8, 2022, began when Roske flew from Los Angeles to Maryland, armed with a deadly arsenal.

His mission was chillingly clear: to kill a U.S. Supreme Court Justice. He was apprehended by Deputy U.S. Marshals as he arrived at the Justice’s home, suitcase in hand and a chilling list of weapons in his possession.

Inside his suitcase, authorities discovered a terrifying array of tools—ranging from a firearm and tactical gear to zip ties, a crowbar, and lock-picking tools—designed for a brutal assassination. Along with these deadly items, Roske confessed to law enforcement that he was deeply disturbed by recent events, including a leaked draft Supreme Court decision on abortion and the devastating Uvalde school shooting.

“This was an extreme, brazen act,” U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes declared. “We will not tolerate attacks on our highest court or any public official.”

Roske now faces life imprisonment, with a sentencing date set for October 3. The case serves as a stark reminder of the violent extremism threatening our society, and the relentless pursuit of justice that will continue to protect the rule of law.

The FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, and local law enforcement were commended for their quick response, preventing what could have been a catastrophic attack.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas M. Sullivan and Coreen Mao, with assistance from the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.