Police Arrest Armed Man Who Wanted To Kill Brett Kavanaugh And Then Kill Himself

An armed man was arrested early Wednesday near the Chevy Chase, Maryland, home of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. The man was charged with attempted murder after authorities saw him step out of a taxi dressed in black and carrying a suitcase and backpack outside Kavanaugh's home.

Police say the man admitted that he wanted to "kill" the judge, a chilling admission at a time of increased concern for the safety of justices on the nation’s highest court.

Police stopped 26-year-old Nicholas John Roske, of Simi Valley, a suburb of Los Angeles. Roske was seen in the area sometime before 1:45 a.m. before he was apprehended.

According to court documents, authorities discovered a Glock 17 with two magazines and ammunition, pepper spray, zip ties, a hammer, a screwdriver, a nail punch, a crowbar, a pistol light and duct tape, among other items.

"Roske indicated that he believed the Justice that he intended to kill would side with Second Amendment decisions that would loosen gun control laws," according to the affidavit.

Roske had called 911 on himself and admitted to police that he had "homicidal thoughts" and that he was carrying a handgun in his suitcase to harm Kavanaugh, according to reports.

The affidavit stated that Roske's plan was to break into the home, kill Kavanaugh and then kill himself.

Roske faces up to 20 years in federal prison if convicted.

There have been heightened safety concerns for Supreme Court justices after a draft opinion was leaked that suggested the court would overturn the 1972 decision of Roe v. Wade, a landmark abortion rights decision.

After the draft was leaked to Politico in May, protestors descended on the homes of Supreme Court justices, including Kavanaugh’s. Citing a concern for the security of the judges, Congress passed a bill providing more funding for police protection to them and their families.

The White House has urged all demonstrations to remain peaceful and sternly warned against any violence aimed at judges.

Most of the protests have been peaceful, but the Department of Homeland Security has warned law enforcement nationwide that the repeal of Roe v. Wade carries the potential for violence between abortion advocates and opponents.