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Just out of a flight from California, Nicolas Roske snatched a taxi to the home of Supreme Court Justice Brett M. Cavanaugh, according to court records. It was 1 in the morning
What he packed in his bags, law enforcement officials said Thursday, stressed how serious he is in carrying out his plan to kill conservative justice: burglary tools, a gun and a pair made for quiet boots with outer soles that could allow invisible movement in the house.
“The padded boots did raise red flags,” said Captain Sean Hagen, commander of the Bettezda area of Montgomery County.
As detailed as Roske’s plans were, court records and newly issued 911 calls also document how quickly he abandoned them. Arriving at the home early Wednesday, Roske spotted two U.S. deputy marshals, part of Cavanaugh’s bodyguards, standing in front of a car, according to an FBI swearing-in statement in federal court. He walked away, turned the corner, and called 911 to surrender.
“I’m standing now, but I can sit, whatever. I want to be fully compliant,” Roske said, according to a copy of the 911 call released Thursday by Montgomery County Police Department. “So whatever they want me to do, I’ll do it.”
District officials soon stopped and arrested Roske without incident.
A man with a gun was arrested near the home of Brett Cavanaugh
Federal officials have indicted Roske with attempted murder of a federal judge. According to the FBI statement, Roske was upset by the leaked draft of a Supreme Court opinion backed by Cavanaugh, which signaled that the court was in a position to overturn Rowe vs. Wade. He was also worried that after the mass shooting in Uwalde, Texas, justice “will side with the 2nd Amendment decisions, which will loosen gun control laws,” according to the swearing-in declaration.
On records 911, Roske calmly answered the questions, telling the cameraman how he had just flown in from California and planned to hurt Cavanaugh and then himself. He said his gun was locked in casein in his suitcase and needed psychiatric help. Finally sirens sounded.
“They are here. I will close,” he said.
When Roske and his lawyer appeared in court on Wednesday afternoon, they made specific allegations. When U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Sullivan asked him if he understood the procedure, and Roske said, “I think I have a reasonable enough understanding, but I wouldn’t say I think clearly.”
While Sullivan asked further, Roske said only that he was on medication and that he had taken that medication on Wednesday. He later clarified that he had “a clear enough understanding” to continue. He remained in custody pending further trial.
The lawyer, Federal Public Defender Andrew Sekeli, and members of Roske’s family in California were not found for comment on Thursday.
From a legal point of view, the fact that Roske did not fulfill his alleged plans may not necessarily help him, analysts said.
All of Roske’s actions, at least according to the FBI statement, probably put him above the threshold of “substantial steps beyond ordinary preparation” that are usually required to convict him of attempted murder in federal court, according to Robert Bonsib, defense attorney in Maryland.
“His steps, as stated in the oath of allegiance, have been so significant and have been so significant on the road to completing the crime that protection in the event of abandonment can be difficult,” Bonsib said.
The records of 911 offered a possible window into Roske’s thinking. Parts have been edited, such as his name and description of medical problems. He called 911 twice.
The first call lasted only a minute. The 911 operator asked where he was. By then, Roske had gone around the corner and was about two blocks from the judge’s house.
“Let me try to find a street sign,” he said, adding, “Give me a moment and I’ll call, okay?”
And he did, this time providing a better location and name. He was talking about bad thoughts.
“I’ve had them for a long time,” he said. “I’m from California. I came here to act against them. “
He said he intended to hurt himself and someone else.
“Do you have access to any weapons? ”The 911 operator asked.
“Yes. I brought a firearm with me, but it is unloaded and locked in the case, “said the caller.
“Okay. Where’s the firearm now?” the operator replied.
“It’s in a suitcase. It’s a black suitcase,” Roske said, according to the recording. “I’m standing near him, but the suitcase is closed with a zipper. I just got back from the airport. ”
Roske said he did not drink or use drugs. Asked if he needed medical help, Roske said, “I need psychiatric help.”
Roske said his goal was “Brett Cavanaugh, the Supreme Court judge.”
He said he learned his address in part after seeing online photos of protests in front of Cavanaugh’s home. While the police were traveling, the cameraman tried to keep Roske calm by asking him, among other topics, if he had any pets at home. Roske said he was doing it – a kakapu named Molly.
Katie Mettler and Razzan Nahlawi contributed to this report.
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