The man who U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) arrested Jan. 27 after he allegedly told them he intended to kill Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent identifies as a transgender woman, according to WWLP.
24-year old Ryan English turned himself in to authorities while possessing knives and Molotov cocktails, a police affidavit said. He identifies as a woman named “Riley,” according to the Massachusetts outlet WWLP.
He initially travelled from Massachusetts to Washington, D.C., with the intent to kill either Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth or Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, according to the affidavit
English also allegedly told the USCP he wanted to burn down the conservative nonprofit organization the Heritage Foundation before he ultimately turned his sights on Bessent.
He pivoted to President Trump’s treasury secretary after watching his confirmation hearings, according to the affidavit.
“English continued to assert that English was here to ‘Kill Scott Bessent’ and that English had additional ‘Molotov Cocktails’ in English’s vehicle,” the affidavit read.
English Affidavit by Nick Pope
He planned to kill at least three USCP officers and was going to throw the Molotov cocktails at Bessent, according to the affidavit.
“English recognized that English’s actions were likely to put English in grave danger and expressed acceptance and content with the possibility of suicide by cop,” the affidavit read. (RELATED: Full Diary Of Nashville Elementary School Shooter Released Amid Legal Battle)
Police said they found a note on English. “Judith dear god I am so sorry. You must understand I can feel myself dying slowly b/c of my heart,” read the note found in English’s pocket, according to the affidavit. “This is terrible but I cant do nothing while Nazis kill my sisters. I love you. This is awful. Im so sorry. I love u. Please stay alive and heal. you can. you are strong enough. Fuck them for pushing us so far. you dont deserve this. Im so sorry for lying and plotting and lying. Please survive.”
Police charged English with Unlawful Receipt, Possession and/or Transfer of a Firearm and Carrying a Firearm, Dangerous Weapon, Explosive or Incendiary Device on the Grounds of the Capitol.
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