Facebook, Nicholas Roske / Photographer, Fred SchillingTaken for Supreme Court, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons, Cropped by Resist the Mainstream

Nicholas Roske, the chief suspect in a failed plot to assassinate Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, is engaged in ongoing pretrial negotiations concerning his charges, according to court documents.

Two years subsequent to the interception of Roske's alleged scheme by law enforcement, the case persists without resolution. However, recent court documents indicated a judge's consent to extend the negotiation period, allowing both parties until April 29, 2024, to report further progress.

“The parties’ discussions regarding a pretrial resolution are ongoing. To permit these discussions to continue, the parties request they be permitted to provide a further status report on or before April 29, 2024,” the filing detailed.

Roske faces charges of attempted murder of a Justice of the United States and maintains a plea of not guilty.

In June 2022, at 26 years old, Roske traveled to Kavanaugh's residence in Chevy Chase, Maryland, with the intention to infiltrate and eliminate the justice, as per a federal affidavit. Upon sighting two deputy marshals outside Kavanaugh's home, Roske reportedly relinquished his plan, opting instead to dial 911 and surrender to authorities.

The affidavit cataloged Roske's possession of a backpack equipped with a Glock 17 pistol, pepper spray, zip ties, a hammer, duct tape, a “black tactical chest rig and tactical knife,” among other items. When probed on his motives, Roske cited his indignation over the Uvalde, Texas, shooting and the imminent decision on abortion as driving factors.

Currently detained in federal custody, Roske could face up to 20 years in prison if found guilty. Judge Peter Messitte presides over the case.

Recent events underscore a growing concern for the safety of Supreme Court justices. This includes the sentencing of Neal Brij Sidhwaney to 14 months in prison for threatening to kill Chief Justice John Roberts last year. Sidhwaney, who pleaded not guilty and was subject to a potential five-year prison term, will also undergo three years of supervised release.

These developments reflect the heightened security apprehensions surrounding Supreme Court justices amidst their involvement in various contentious political issues. Last month, the Supreme Court sought an additional $19.4 million from Congress to fortify its security, highlighting these escalating concerns.