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After a flight from California, Nicholas Roske took a taxi to the home of Supreme Court Judge Brett M. Kavanaugh, according to court records. It was 1 in the morning
What he had carried in his suitcases, law enforcement officials said Thursday, underscoring how serious he was in carrying out his plan to kill conservative justice: theft tools, a gun and a pair of boots made for outdoor silence. soles that could allow stealthy movement inside a house.
“The padded boots really raised red flags,” said Captain Sean Gagen, Bethesda district commander of the Montgomery County Police Department.
No matter how detailed Roske’s plans may have been, recent court records and 911 calls also document how quickly he abandoned them. Arriving home early Wednesday, Roske saw two U.S. deputy marshals as part of Kavanaugh’s security detail, parked outside a car, according to an FBI affidavit filed in federal court. . He left, turned a corner, and called 911 to surrender.
“I’m standing now, but I can sit down, whatever. I want to comply completely,” Roske said, according to a copy of the 911 call released Thursday by the Montgomery County Police Department. “So whatever they want me to do, I’ll do it”
County agents soon stopped and arrested Roske without incident.
A man with a gun is arrested near Brett Kavanaugh’s house
Federal officials have charged Roske with attempted murder of a federal judge. According to the FBI affidavit, Roske was upset by the leaked draft of a Supreme Court opinion backed by Kavanaugh, which indicated that the court is in a position to overturn. Roe against Wade. He was also concerned that as a result of the mass shooting in Uvalde, Tex., Justice “would side with the Second Amendment decisions that would loosen gun control laws,” according to the affidavit.
In the 911 recordings, Roske answered the questions calmly, telling the operator that he had just arrived from California and had planned to hurt Kavanaugh and then himself. He said his weapon was locked in a suitcase case and that he needed psychiatric help. At last the sirens could be heard.
“She is OK. I’m going to hang up, “he said.
In a court appearance Wednesday afternoon, neither Roske nor his attorney addressed the specific charges. When U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Sullivan asked if he understood the procedure, Roske said, “I think I have a reasonable enough understanding, but I wouldn’t say I’m thinking clearly.”
When Sullivan asked further, Roske only said he was taking medication and had taken it on Wednesday. He later clarified that he had “a clear enough understanding” to continue. He remains in custody pending further legal proceedings.
The attorney, federal Attorney General Andrew Szekely, as well as members of Roske’s family in California, were unable to be contacted for comment Thursday.
As a legal matter, the fact that Roske did not follow his alleged plans might not necessarily help, analysts said.
All of Roske’s actions, at least according to the FBI’s affidavit, probably put him above the threshold of “substantial steps beyond mere preparation” that is generally required to be convicted of attempted murder in a federal court, according to Robert Bonsib, an advocate. lawyer in Maryland.
“His steps, as stated in the affidavit, were so substantial and on the way to completing the crime that a defense for abandonment can be difficult,” Bonsib said.
911 recordings provided a possible window into Roske’s mindset. Parts have been written, such as their name and descriptions of medical problems. He called 911 twice.
The first call lasted only a minute. The 911 operator asked him where he was. By then, Roske had turned a corner and was about two blocks from the courthouse.
“Let me try to find a street sign,” he said, adding, “Give me a moment and I’ll call you back, okay?”
And he did, this time providing a better location and name. He talked about the bad thoughts he had.
“I’ve had them for a long time,” he said. “I’m from California. I came here to act on them.”
He said he intended to hurt himself and someone else.
“Do you have access to any weapons? “Asked the 911 operator.
“Yes. I carried a firearm with me, but it is unloaded and locked in the box, “said the person who called.
“Okay. Where’s the gun now?” the operator replied.
“It’s in a suitcase. It’s a black suitcase,” Roske said, according to the recording. “I’m close, but the suitcase is zipped. I just came from the airport.”
Roske said he had not drunk or used drugs. When asked if she needed medical attention, Roske said, “I need psychiatric help.”
Roske stated that his goal was “Brett Kavanaugh … the Supreme Court judge.”
He said he had known his address, in part, after seeing photographs online of protests outside Kavanaugh’s home. As police officers were on their way, the operator tried to keep Roske calm by asking him, among other things, if he had any pets at home. Roske said yes, a cockapoo named Molly.
Katie Mettler and Razzan Nakhlawi contributed to this report.