
A Massachusetts man’s plan to attack Republican leaders near the U.S. Capitol with knives and Molotov cocktails was thwarted when he turned himself in to authorities.
Quick Takes
- Ryan Michael English arrested near U.S. Capitol with weapons targeting Republican leaders.
- English planned to kill House Speaker Mike Johnson, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
- Suspect carried knives and Molotov cocktails made from vodka bottles.
- If convicted, English faces up to 15 years in prison for weapons charges.
Dangerous Plot Foiled Near U.S. Capitol
Ryan Michael English, a man from Massachusetts, was apprehended near the U.S. Capitol with a cache of weapons intended for attacking high-ranking Republican officials. English’s arrest came after he approached a Capitol Police officer and revealed his intentions, leading to the discovery of knives and homemade Molotov cocktails in his possession. The incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of elected officials and the ongoing threats faced by those in public service.
According to court records, English’s initial targets included Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and House Speaker Mike Johnson. However, his focus shifted to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent upon learning of Bessent’s upcoming confirmation. The suspect’s plan involved using incendiary devices and potentially resorting to knife attacks if the opportunity presented itself.
Weapons and Evidence Uncovered
When apprehended, English was found carrying a folding knife and two “destructive devices” in his jacket pockets. Prosecutors described the weapons, stating, “The destructive devices were constructed of 50-milliliter bottles of Absolut brand vodka with a grey cloth affixed to its top. A green BIC brand lighter was also recovered from [his] pants’ pocket.” A subsequent search of English’s vehicle revealed additional materials, including a larger bottle of vodka and clothing with cloth cut from the sleeves, presumably for use in creating more incendiary devices.
The suspect’s original plan also included potentially targeting the headquarters of the conservative think tank Heritage Foundation. Court documents reveal that English had considered “and/or” burning down the organization’s office, further highlighting the breadth of his intended attacks on Republican-affiliated entities.
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 be sentenced to 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.
The motivations behind English’s plot remain unclear, though investigators have found messages where he apologized for his planned actions. Disturbingly, the suspect had also expressed a willingness to die in a confrontation with law enforcement, demonstrating the potential for a violent outcome had he not turned himself in. This case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threats faced by public officials and the critical role of law enforcement in preventing acts of domestic terrorism.
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