Chip Roy Moves to Impeach Judge Over Light Sentence for Kavanaugh Assassination Attempt
Texas Congressman Chip Roy introduced articles of impeachment Monday against U.S. District Judge Deborah Boardman, citing what he called an “absurd” and “politically motivated” sentence for Nicholas Roske—the man who attempted to assassinate Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh.
Roske, a 29-year-old biological male who now identifies as a transgender woman named “Sophie,” was sentenced to just eight years in prison earlier this month. The sentencing came despite federal guidelines allowing up to life in prison and a Department of Justice recommendation of 30 years.
“This judge handed down a slap-on-the-wrist sentence for someone who plotted to murder a sitting Supreme Court justice,” Roy said in a statement to The Daily Wire. “She undermined the integrity of our justice system by injecting ideology into what should have been a straightforward sentencing.”
Roske meticulously planned the attack for months. He traveled across the country, armed with a Glock 17 handgun, ammunition, zip ties, pepper spray, a tactical knife, and burglary tools. He arrived at Justice Kavanaugh’s Maryland home in June 2022 with the intent to kill him, but called 911 on himself moments before carrying out the plan.
Judge Boardman, a Biden appointee, focused heavily on Roske’s gender identity throughout the seven-hour sentencing hearing. She questioned whether Roske’s transgender status should factor into the decision, citing concerns about housing Roske in a male facility and the possible lack of access to “gender-affirming care.”
Prosecutors pushed back, arguing gender identity should not play any role in sentencing. Nonetheless, Boardman lowered the sentence dramatically, stating:
“Any prison time is punishment for her. The length doesn’t need to be particularly long… Unduly harsh conditions make a difference too.”
Boardman’s rationale sparked outrage from lawmakers, including Roy and several GOP senators. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), Mike Lee (R-UT), and Tom Cotton (R-AR) have all called for Boardman to be removed. Cotton introduced legislation to bar gender identity from influencing sentencing decisions and to prohibit housing transgender inmates with the opposite biological sex.
During the hearing, Boardman acknowledged that Roske targeted Kavanaugh because he wanted the justice replaced by a Biden appointee to preserve abortion and LGBTQ rulings. She also said she was “heartened” that Roske’s arrest led his family to become more accepting of his gender identity, calling the experience “transformative.”
Critics called the comments chilling.
“Judge Boardman violated her oath by failing to apply justice equally and allowing political bias to override the law,” Roy said. “This wasn’t sentencing—it was virtue signaling. And it put the life of a Supreme Court justice second to woke ideology.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the DOJ would appeal the sentence, calling it “woefully insufficient.”
Roske’s defense acknowledged that the terrorism enhancement was warranted but argued for leniency due to Roske’s mental health and gender struggles. Boardman ultimately waived parts of the terrorism-related penalties.
The impeachment articles accuse Boardman of failing to uphold the standard of “good behavior” required by Article III of the Constitution. Roy and his allies say this case goes far beyond politics.
“This isn’t just about one bad sentence,” Roy said. “It’s about the future of our judiciary and whether justice is still blind.”