
A Massachusetts man carrying homemade explosives was arrested at the U.S. Capitol after he confessed to law enforcement that he intended to kill newly confirmed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. The suspect, identified as 31-year-old Ryan Michael English, surrendered to Capitol Police on Monday afternoon and was immediately taken into custody.
Authorities say English approached an officer around 3:12 p.m. and disclosed that he was carrying weapons, including two Molotov cocktails, a knife, and a lighter. A search of his vehicle, parked near the Capitol, uncovered additional materials consistent with his firebombs.
According to investigators, English had initially set his sights on Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and House Speaker Mike Johnson before deciding to target Bessent. His confession revealed he had traveled from Massachusetts to Washington, D.C., without a phone to avoid being tracked, relying on a road atlas purchased in cash.
English allegedly detailed his attack plan, stating he would use the Molotov cocktails to create destruction and, if possible, stab Bessent. He also admitted he was mentally prepared to engage with Capitol Police and expected the possibility of being killed during the attempt.
A handwritten message found on English’s person expressed remorse to a loved one while justifying his planned attack. The affidavit from Special Agent Peter Campopiano indicates that English viewed his actions as a political statement, calling his targets “Nazis” and saying his mission was to remove them from office.
English has been charged with unlawful possession of a firearm, transporting an explosive device, and making threats against government officials. Investigators are working to determine whether he had outside support or acted alone in his attempted attack.