A Massachusetts man was arrested on Monday after allegedly bringing Molotov cocktails and multiple knives to the U.S. Capitol, telling authorities he initially planned to assassinate House Speaker Mike Johnson, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, federal prosecutors revealed.
The suspect, identified as Ryan English, turned himself in to U.S. Capitol Police (USCP), admitting that he was carrying two homemade Molotov cocktails made with 50-milliliter Absolut Vodka bottles as well as multiple knives, according to court documents.
NEW: A man, Ryan English, was arrested in DC yesterday after creating two Molotov cocktails intended to kill Mike Johnson, Pete Hegseth and Scott Bessent.
He made them out of 50 ml Absolut Vodka bottles, stuffed with cloths doused in hand sanitizer. He was also carrying… pic.twitter.com/NZrDP6S3UH
— Autism Capital (@AutismCapital) January 28, 2025
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Authorities searched English upon his arrest and found a folding knife and Molotov cocktails inside his jacket pockets.
He was charged with carrying a firearm, a dangerous weapon, an explosive or incendiary device on Capitol grounds, and unlawful receipt or possession of a firearm.
USCP officers conducted additional sweeps in the area and located English’s vehicle on the 900 block of Independence Avenue, SW.
A search of the car uncovered additional materials that could be used to make more Molotov cocktails, according to a statement from Capitol Police.
Federal prosecutors stated that English left his home in Massachusetts on Sunday and traveled to Washington, D.C., with the stated intention of killing Speaker Johnson and Defense Secretary Hegseth and burning down the Heritage Foundation, a prominent conservative think tank.
However, at some point during his trip, English stopped at a library in Chevy Chase, Maryland, where he read Reddit posts about the confirmation hearings for Bessent, who was confirmed Monday as Treasury Secretary.
Court documents indicate that after seeing the posts, English altered his plan, deciding to target Bessent instead.
He then purchased alcohol bottles to construct Molotov cocktails with the intent to throw them at Bessent’s feet, court filings state.
English also told investigators that he planned to stab Bessent if he was able to get close enough.
During his interview with law enforcement, English admitted that he believed he would have to kill at least three Capitol Police officers to get to Bessent.
However, when he realized it would be difficult to get close to his targets, English “expressed acceptance and content with the possibility of suicide by cop,” according to prosecutors.
A receipt found in English’s pants pocket contained a handwritten note, which read in part:
“Judith dear god I am so sorry. You must understand I can feel myself dying slowly b/c of my heart. This is terrible but I can’t do nothing while nazis kill my sisters. I love you. This is awful. I’m so sorry. I love u. Please stay alive and heal. You can. You are strong enough. F— them for pushing us so far. You don’t deserve this. I’m so sorry for lying and plotting and lying. Please survive.”
Authorities noted that English referred to Defense Secretary Hegseth as a “Nazi”, further reinforcing his motive for the planned attacks.
Capitol Police stated that since January 2024, more than 50 weapons have been confiscated on Capitol grounds, highlighting ongoing security concerns at congressional buildings and surrounding areas.
English remains in custody as the investigation continues.
His arrest marks one of the most serious security threats at the Capitol in recent months, as law enforcement officials work to prevent potential attacks on public officials and government institutions.
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