A self-proclaimed anti-Nazi activist from Massachusetts was taken into custody at the U.S. Capitol after declaring his intention to assassinate Republican leaders.
According to Daily Mail, Ryan Michael 'Reily' English, 24, turned himself in to Capitol Police on Monday afternoon while carrying Molotov cocktails and knives, admitting his plans to kill Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, House Speaker Mike Johnson, and Treasury Secretary nominee Scott Bessent.
The suspect approached Capitol Police around 3 pm ET and voluntarily surrendered himself. During a search of his belongings, officers discovered two knives and two makeshift incendiary devices constructed using Absolut vodka bottles with cloth primers, along with a lighter in his pockets.
English disclosed to investigators that he had specifically targeted Hegseth, whom he referred to as a "Nazi" Secretary of Defense. His plan extended to potentially attacking House Speaker Mike Johnson and Treasury Secretary nominee Scott Bessent. The suspect revealed he had learned about Bessent's confirmation hearing while stopping at a library in Chevy Chase, Maryland, during his journey from Massachusetts to Washington D.C.
The 24-year-old man told authorities he intended to throw a Molotov cocktail at Bessent's feet during the hearing. He also mentioned his readiness to stab the Treasury Secretary nominee if he could get close enough. Investigators noted that English would have needed to overcome at least three Capitol Police officers to reach his intended target.
In a handwritten note found in English's possession addressed to someone named Judith, he expressed remorse while justifying his actions. The note read:
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 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.
During questioning, English also revealed his thoughts about targeting The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank. The suspect's apparent willingness to engage in violence was evident in the court documents, which noted his acceptance of potential "suicide by cop" scenarios.
The timing of English's surrender proved significant, as it occurred just three hours before Bessent's confirmation as Treasury Secretary by the Senate. The proximity to this important government procedure highlighted the serious nature of the threat and the potential consequences had the suspect not turned himself in.
Law enforcement's thorough search of English's belongings yielded additional evidence of his intentions. Besides the weapons and incendiary devices, they found a continuation of his note that further explained his mindset and motivations for the planned attack.
The incident raises fresh concerns about the security of government officials and facilities. English's ability to transport weapons and explosive devices to the Capitol area, despite ultimately choosing to surrender, exposes potential vulnerabilities in the security infrastructure.
The case demonstrates the persistent threats faced by political figures, particularly in the current climate of heightened political tensions. The suspect's targeting of specific Republican leaders and his ideological motivations add another layer of complexity to the ongoing challenges of protecting government officials.
Authorities are particularly concerned about the premeditated nature of English's plans, including his research of potential targets and the preparation of weapons and explosive devices. The incident has prompted discussions about enhancing security measures around government buildings and officials.
Ryan Michael English, a 24-year-old from Massachusetts, surrendered to Capitol Police while armed with weapons and Molotov cocktails, admitting he intended to assassinate multiple Republican leaders. His targets included Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and House Speaker Mike Johnson. Investigators found that English had researched his intended victims and assembled incendiary devices using vodka bottles, indicating that his plan was carefully thought out. His surrender came just hours before one of his targets, Scott Bessent, was confirmed by the Senate as Treasury Secretary. English now faces serious charges related to his foiled attack.
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