Man Carrying Firebombs Arrested At Capitol After Admitting Plan To Kill Trump Official

A man from Massachusetts is facing federal charges after voluntarily surrendering to Capitol Police and revealing his intent to assassinate newly confirmed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. The suspect, Ryan Michael English, 31, was taken into custody Monday afternoon after approaching an officer and admitting he was armed with Molotov cocktails and a knife.

According to court filings, English turned himself in at approximately 3:12 p.m., telling authorities he had come to kill high-ranking Republican officials. Officers discovered two small firebombs made from vodka bottles with cloth soaked in hand sanitizer, as well as a knife and lighter. His vehicle, parked nearby, contained additional accelerants and a sweatshirt with fabric consistent with the incendiary devices.

Investigators say English initially planned to target Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and House Speaker Mike Johnson but shifted focus to Bessent after reading about his confirmation hearings. He reportedly left his phone behind to avoid detection and used a physical road map to navigate to Washington, D.C.

English described his intentions in detail, admitting he planned to start fires and, if given the opportunity, stab Bessent. He also indicated a willingness to attack Capitol Police if necessary and suggested he had contemplated forcing a violent confrontation that would result in “suicide by cop.”

Authorities found a handwritten note in English’s pocket apologizing to a loved one and referencing his belief that political violence was justified. Special Agent Peter Campopiano stated in an affidavit that English viewed his actions as a form of protest, referring to his intended victims as “Nazis” and claiming he sought to remove them from power.

Federal prosecutors have charged English with possession of an unregistered firearm, carrying incendiary devices onto Capitol grounds, and making threats against government officials. Law enforcement officials continue to investigate whether he acted alone or had assistance in planning the attack.