memorandum<\/a>\u00a0filed Friday in Maryland, prosecutors detailed Roske\u2019s months of preparation, including online research, weapons purchases, and reconnaissance before arriving outside Justice Brett Kavanaugh\u2019s home on June 8, 2022.<\/p>\nMessages quoted in the filing show Roske discussed killing multiple justices, writing that he was \u201cshooting for 3\u201d and noting that \u201cpeople have killed judges before.\u201d A saved Google map on his device contained what he believed were the addresses of four justices.<\/p>\n
Authorities said Roske flew from California to Virginia with a Glock 17, ammunition, a knife, zip ties, tactical gear, and other tools, then took a taxi to Kavanaugh\u2019s neighborhood. He turned away after seeing U.S. marshals outside the home, later calling his sister and 911 before surrendering. Prosecutors argue his decision came only after encountering the visible security presence.<\/p>\n
The government\u2019s filing describes methodical preparation that began months earlier. Investigators cite searches such as \u201cmost effective way to silently kill someone,\u201d \u201chow to break glass quietly,\u201d and \u201ccountries least likely to extradite to the US.\u201d<\/p>\n
Prosecutors said Roske bought the handgun and accessories in late May 2022, practiced at a shooting range, researched justices\u2019 addresses, and tried to erase his devices and accounts before traveling. The memo described the scheme as an attempt to \u201csingle-handedly alter the Constitutional order for ideological ends.\u201d<\/p>\n
The attempt came during national outrage over the leaked draft opinion in Dobbs, which weeks later overturned\u00a0Roe v. Wade<\/i>. Prosecutors said Roske was motivated by anger over abortion and gun cases, citing messages in which he asked what would happen if a conservative justice died.<\/p>\n