A federal judge in Maryland stated on Wednesday that there is a “very high probability” that he will seek a mental evaluation for a California man accused of attempting to assassinate Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh.
During a brief hearing, District Judge Peter Messitte stated that he believes a mental evaluation will reveal if Nicholas John Roske, age 26, is competent to assist his defense, enter a possible guilty plea, or face trial. No trial date has been scheduled. Messitte stated that he is likely to order a psychiatric evaluation for Roske when the parties return for a hearing in around 45 days.
Andrew Szekely, defense attorney, informed the judge that the defense has no current concerns about Roske’s mental fitness.
To acquire a “preliminary impression of where he is,” the court questioned Roske some standard inquiries, such as his age, last address, and last work. Roske responded without difficulty to the inquiries and said that he was aware he was appearing in federal court.
Roske assured certain internet users, according to court documents already made public, that he intended to reverse the leaked draft opinion that ultimately overturned the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision establishing constitutional protection for abortion.
Roske is accused of attempting to murder a United States judge. He entered a not-guilty plea.
Roske, who had just worked as a substitute teacher, allegedly flew from California to Kavanaugh’s house in Chevy Chase, Maryland, with the aim to murder him, according to the prosecution. According to court documents, Roske arrived near the residence in a cab at 1 a.m. on June 8 with a suitcase containing a firearm and ammo, a tactical chest rig with pepper spray and a knife, a flashlight; a laser; a thermal binocular, and other burglary gear.
Roske was captured by two U.S. marshals who were part of the 24-hour protection assigned to the justices after he called 911 and said that he was near Kavanaugh’s home and intended to commit suicide.
The leaked opinion draft prompted demonstrations, including at the residences of numerous justices. The arrest of Roske prompted the House to pass a law increasing the justices’ families’ round-the-clock security protection.