Judge likely to order mental evaluation for defendant in Kavanaugh threat case

A federal judge in Maryland said Wednesday that there is a "very high likelihood" he will order a mental evaluation for a California man charged with trying to assassinate Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh.

District Judge Peter Messitte said during a brief hearing that he believes a mental evaluation will show him whether Nicholas John Roske, 26, is fit to assist his defense, enter a possible guilty plea or stand trial. No trial date has been set. Messitte said he is likely to order a mental evaluation for Roske when the parties return after approximately 45 days for a subsequent hearing.

Defense Attorney Andrew Szekely told the judge that the defense doesn't have any present concerns about Roske's mental competency.