A Massachusetts man’s alleged plot to assassinate top Republican officials near the U.S. Capitol was thwarted, leading to his arrest and potential imprisonment.
Key Takeaways
- Ryan Michael English was arrested near the U.S. Capitol for planning to kill high-ranking Republican officials.
- English was carrying knives and Molotov cocktails, intending to target Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
- He faces charges of unlawful possession of a firearm and carrying a dangerous weapon on Capitol grounds.
- If convicted, English could face up to 15 years in prison.
- The suspect’s motivations remain unclear, but he expressed willingness to die in a confrontation with police.
Alarming Plot Uncovered Near U.S. Capitol
In a shocking development, Ryan Michael English, a man from Massachusetts, was apprehended near the U.S. Capitol with a sinister plan to attack prominent Republican leaders. English’s arrest has unveiled a disturbing plot that targeted high-ranking officials, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
Law enforcement officials discovered that English had traveled from Massachusetts to Washington, D.C., armed with knives and homemade Molotov cocktails. The suspect’s initial plan involved targeting either Johnson or Hegseth, but he later shifted his focus to the newly confirmed Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent.
Arsenal of Makeshift Weapons
Upon his arrest, authorities found English in possession of a folding knife and two “destructive devices” concealed in his jacket pockets. Prosecutors provided chilling details about 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 a larger 750-milliliter bottle of Smirnoff vodka and a sweatshirt with cloth cut from the sleeves, indicating his preparation for creating more incendiary devices.
Evolving Plans and Desperate Measures
English’s plans were not limited to individual targets. According to prosecutors, he had also considered plans to burn down the headquarters of conservative think tank the Heritage Foundation. This information highlights the broad scope of potential destruction English had envisioned.
As the reality of his situation set in, English’s desperation became evident. Court documents reveal that he “expressed acceptance and content with the possibility of suicide by cop”
This chilling admission underscores the potential for a deadly confrontation had law enforcement not intervened in time.
Legal Consequences and Ongoing Investigation
English now faces serious legal repercussions for his alleged plot. He has been charged with 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.
As the investigation continues, many questions remain unanswered. Court records do not clarify why English revealed his plan to a police officer, leading to his arrest. A detention hearing is scheduled for Thursday morning, which may provide more insights into this troubling case.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threats faced by public officials and the critical role of law enforcement in safeguarding our nation’s capital. As more details emerge, the American public will undoubtedly seek answers about what motivated this potentially deadly plot and how future threats can be prevented.
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
