
Capitol Suspect Arrested With Firebombs Admitted Plan To Kill Treasury Secretary
A Massachusetts man is facing serious federal charges after admitting he traveled to Washington, D.C., with the intent to assassinate top Republican leaders. Ryan Michael English, 31, voluntarily turned himself in at the U.S. Capitol on Monday, informing police he was armed with Molotov cocktails and a knife and had planned to kill newly confirmed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
Capitol Police say English approached an officer around 3:12 p.m. and immediately confessed to carrying explosives and weapons. A search of his belongings revealed two small firebombs made from Absolut vodka bottles, a folding knife, and a lighter. His vehicle, parked near Independence Avenue, contained additional accelerants and a sweatshirt with material matching the cloth used in his incendiary devices.
Investigators say English’s plot originally focused on Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and House Speaker Mike Johnson before shifting to Bessent after he read about the Treasury Secretary’s confirmation hearings online. He allegedly left his phone behind to avoid surveillance and used a physical road map to reach Washington, D.C.
English admitted to authorities that he intended to use the Molotov cocktails to create chaos and, if the opportunity arose, assassinate Bessent. He also indicated he was mentally prepared to attack Capitol Police if necessary, stating he had considered initiating a violent standoff that could result in his own death at the hands of law enforcement.
Court documents include a note found on English’s person, in which he apologized to a loved one and claimed he was compelled to act against what he perceived as a threat. Investigators say he referred to his targets as “Nazis” and described his actions as a political statement aimed at “deposing” those in power.
Federal prosecutors have charged English with possession of an unregistered firearm, carrying incendiary devices onto Capitol grounds, and making threats against government officials. Authorities continue to assess whether additional individuals were involved in his planning or if he had acted alone.