The California man accused of plotting to kill Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh had an expansive goal to change the makeup of the Supreme Court �for decades to come,� according to a recent court filing that cites discussions the man had online.
Nicholas John Roske, 26, told unidentified internet users that his goal was to reverse the then-leaked draft decision of the since-overturned Roe v. Wade decision, according to an affidavit for a search warrant in the case, filed in Maryland federal court this week.
Killing one jurist could change the decisions of the court �for decades to come,� authorities said that Roske wrote, adding, �I am shooting for three.�
Roske explained that �all of the major decisions for the past 10 years have been along party lines so if there are more liberal than conservative judges, they will have the power.�
The details represent the newest indication that Simi Valley, Calif., man wasn�t focused solely on Kavanaugh, although it does not identify the other justices.
According to the filing, first reported by The Daily Beast, Roske�s cellphone history in May and June of this year included searches for �quietest semi auto rifle,� �Reagan assassination attempt,� �most effective place to stab someone,� �assassin skills,� �assassin equipment,� �assassinations,� �supreme court� and �how to be stealthy.�
Roske is charged with attempting to murder a justice of the United States. He has pleaded not guilty, and a tentative trial date has been set for next month.
Prosecutors say Roske traveled from California to Kavanaugh�s home in Chevy Chase, Maryland, with the intent of killing him. Roske pulled up near the home in a taxi shortly after 1 a.m. on June 8 carrying a suitcase with a gun and ammunition, a tactical chest rig with pepper spray and a knife, a flashlight, a laser, a thermal monocular and other burglary tools, according to court papers.
Spotted by two U.S. Marshals who were part of 24-hour security provided to the justices following the leak of the draft opinion, Roske was apprehended after he called 911 and told a police dispatcher that he was near Kavanaugh�s home and wanted to take his own life.
The leaked opinion draft led to protests, including at several of the justices� homes. Roske�s arrest spurred the House to approve a bill expanding that around-the-clock security protection to the justices� families.
(AP)