Trump-Appointed Judge Sentences Would-Be Assassin to Life, Biden Judge Gives Alleged Kavanaugh Assassin 8 Years

A tale of two federal judges and two attempted assassinations of a former president and a Supreme Court justice

Feb. 7, 2026 at 6:31am

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This story examines the contrasting sentences handed down by two federal judges - one appointed by Trump and the other by Biden - for two separate attempted assassinations of a former president and a Supreme Court justice. The Trump-appointed judge sentenced the would-be Trump assassin to life in prison, while the Biden-appointed judge gave the alleged Kavanaugh assassin just 8 years, drawing criticism for being overly lenient.

Why it matters

The stark difference in sentencing highlights concerns about potential political bias in the judicial system, with the Biden judge accused of letting her 'radical ideology' influence her decision-making. The case also raises questions about the gravity of assassination attempts on high-profile political figures and whether they are being treated with the appropriate level of seriousness.

The details

In September 2024, Ryan Wesley Routh, a convicted felon, took aim at former President Trump with a rifle at a golf club in Florida, but was stopped by a Secret Service agent. He was sentenced to life in prison by Trump-appointed Judge Aileen Cannon, who recognized the gravity of the situation. Months later, Nicholas Roske, angered by the leaked Dobbs v. Jackson decision, traveled from California to Maryland with guns and tools to assassinate three Supreme Court justices, including Justice Kavanaugh. Roske called his sister and 911, claiming he was suicidal, and was arrested. The Trump Justice Department recommended a 30-year sentence, but Biden-appointed Judge Deborah Boardman sentenced Roske to just 8 years, citing his claim to identify as a woman named Sophie and arguing his time in a men's prison would be harder.

  • On September 15, 2024, Ryan Wesley Routh took position in a sniper's nest at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida.
  • A few months ago, Judge Deborah Boardman sentenced Nicholas Roske for his attempted assassination of Justice Kavanaugh.

The players

Ryan Wesley Routh

A convicted felon who took aim at former President Trump with a rifle at a golf club in Florida, but was stopped by a Secret Service agent.

Judge Aileen Cannon

A Trump-appointed federal judge who sentenced Routh to life in prison, recognizing the gravity of the assassination attempt.

Nicholas Roske

An individual angered by the leaked Dobbs v. Jackson decision who traveled from California to Maryland with guns and tools to assassinate three Supreme Court justices, including Justice Kavanaugh.

Judge Deborah Boardman

A Biden-appointed federal judge who sentenced Roske to just 8 years, citing his claim to identify as a woman named Sophie and arguing his time in a men's prison would be harder.

Justice Kavanaugh

A Supreme Court justice who was the target of Roske's assassination attempt.

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What they’re saying

“Boardman's deranged transgender fanaticism allowed Roske to skate with a mere eight-year sentence.”

— Mike Davis, Author

“Boardman is a disgrace who should be impeached. Cannon deserves strong consideration for elevation to a court of appeals and, perhaps, to become Justice Cannon one day.”

— Mike Davis, Author

What’s next

The case has raised concerns about potential political bias in the judicial system and the appropriate treatment of assassination attempts on high-profile figures. It remains to be seen if there will be any further scrutiny or consequences for the judges' decisions.

The takeaway

This case highlights the stark contrast in how the judicial system can handle similar crimes based on the political leanings of the presiding judge. It raises questions about the need for impartiality and consistency in the application of justice, regardless of the political affiliations of those involved.