Judge mulls mental evaluation in Kavanaugh threat case

By MICHAEL KUNZELMAN
Associated Press

GREENBELT, Md. (AP) — A federal judge in Maryland said he is likely to order a mental evaluation for a California man charged with trying to assassinate Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. U.S. District Judge Peter Messitte said during a brief hearing that he believes a mental evaluation will show him whether Nicholas John  Roske is fit to assist his defense. 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.