A federal judge’s decision to sentence a person who tried to harm Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh is drawing criticism.
Nicholas Roske, now known as Sophie, was given an eight-year prison sentence for attempting to assassinate Justice Kavanaugh in 2022. The judge, Deborah Boardman, who was chosen by President Biden, has faced backlash from conservatives who believe the sentence is too light. The Justice Department had wanted at least 30 years.
Some people are also questioning why the judge seemed to consider Roske’s gender identity when deciding on the sentence. They worry that this might have led to a shorter prison term.
Conservatives argue that this lenient sentence sends the wrong message. They believe it doesn’t properly recognize the seriousness of trying to harm a Supreme Court Justice. They see Justice Kavanaugh as a symbol of conservative legal values.
Attorney General Pam Bondi has said that the Justice Department will appeal the sentence, seeking a longer punishment that fits the crime.
