A Massachusetts man was arrested near the U.S. Capitol, armed with knives and Molotov cocktails, allegedly plotting to assassinate top Republican leaders.
Top Takeaways
- Ryan Michael English was arrested near the U.S. Capitol for planning to kill top Republican officials.
- English was armed with knives and Molotov cocktails made from vodka bottles.
- His targets included House Speaker Mike Johnson, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
- English faces charges that could result in up to 15 years in prison if convicted.
- He turned himself in to a Capitol Police officer, revealing his plans.
Arrest Near U.S. Capitol Unveils Shocking Plot
Federal authorities have apprehended Ryan Michael English, a Massachusetts man, near the U.S. Capitol on charges of planning to assassinate top Republican officials. English, who traveled from Massachusetts to Washington, D.C., was found in possession of knives and homemade Molotov cocktails, raising serious concerns about the safety of high-ranking government officials.
The arrest came after English turned himself in to a Capitol Police officer, revealing his sinister plans. Upon searching the suspect, law enforcement officers discovered a folding knife and two “destructive devices” in his jacket pockets. These makeshift weapons were constructed using vodka bottles, as detailed by prosecutors:
Targets and Evolving Plans
Initially, English’s plan targeted House Speaker Mike Johnson and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The suspect also considered burning down the headquarters of the conservative think tank Heritage Foundation. However, upon learning of Scott Bessent’s impending confirmation as Treasury Secretary, English shifted his focus.
According to the affidavit, “English’s thoughts were to use the small bottles of vodka to start fires and later to wrap them in rags soaked in alcohol, light them and throw them at Bessent’s feet”
Realizing the difficulty of getting close to Bessent, English reportedly considered a deadly confrontation with law enforcement. Court documents reveal that he “expressed acceptance and content with the possibility of suicide by cop,” highlighting the potential for a violent outcome had he not been apprehended.
Legal Consequences and Ongoing Investigation
English now faces serious charges, including unlawful possession of a firearm and carrying a dangerous weapon on Capitol grounds. If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in prison for unlawful possession and an additional five years for possession of explosives, totaling a potential 15-year sentence.
A detention hearing for English is scheduled for Thursday morning, where more details about the case may come to light. Investigators have reportedly found messages where English apologized for his planned actions, though his exact motivations remain unclear.
This alarming incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing security challenges faced by government officials and the importance of vigilance in protecting our nation’s leaders and institutions. As the investigation continues, authorities will undoubtedly be reviewing security protocols to prevent similar threats in the future.
Sources:
- Lunatic arrested outside Capitol with Molotov cocktails, knives after allegedly threatening to kill Pete Hegseth, Mike Johnson
- Man Planned to Kill New G.O.P. Leaders With Molotov Cocktails, U.S. Says
- Man charged with carrying Molotov cocktails into Capitol, allegedly targeted Bessent, Hegseth and Johnson
