Massachusetts Man Indicted on Federal Charges for Alleged Plot to Attack Cabinet Nominee at U.S. Capitol

Washington, D.C. – A 24-year-old Massachusetts man, Ryan Michael English, also known as Riley Jane English, of South Deerfield, has been indicted on federal charges following an alleged attempt to bring a knife and two Molotov cocktails into the U.S. Capitol with the intent to assassinate a presidential cabinet nominee, authorities announced. The incident, which unfolded on January 27, 2025, has raised concerns about security at the Capitol as tensions surrounding political confirmations intensify.

According to court documents, English approached a U.S. Capitol Police officer at the Capitol’s south entrance around 3:12 p.m. ET, stating, “I’d like to turn myself in,” and admitting to possessing a folding knife, a lighter, and two homemade Molotov cocktails constructed from 50-milliliter Absolut vodka bottles with gray cloths affixed to the tops. A search of English’s vehicle, parked in the 900 block of Independence Avenue SW, uncovered additional materials for making Molotov cocktails, including a 750-milliliter bottle of Smirnoff 100-proof vodka and a gray sweatshirt with fabric consistent with the cloths used in the devices, prosecutors said.

English allegedly confessed to traveling from Massachusetts to Washington, D.C., on January 26, 2025, with the initial intent to target House Speaker Mike Johnson and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, whom he referred to as a “Nazi.” However, after stopping at a library in Chevy Chase, Maryland, and reading online about the Senate’s confirmation vote for Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, English shifted his focus to Bessent, according to an affidavit filed by a Capitol Police special agent. English reportedly planned to throw a Molotov cocktail at Bessent’s feet or stab him if he could get close enough.

The indictment, announced on May 8, 2025, charges English with attempted assassination of a cabinet member nominee, unlawful possession of a firearm (in this case, the Molotov cocktails), carrying a dangerous weapon or incendiary device on Capitol grounds, and unlawful receipt or possession of a firearm. Federal prosecutors have described the plot as a serious threat to public safety, noting that English would likely have needed to harm multiple Capitol Police officers to reach Bessent.

Court filings also revealed a note found in English’s possession, addressed to a family member, which read, “This is terrible but I cant do nothing while nazis kill my sisters…I’m so sorry for lying and plotting and lying.” Another note referenced a possible heart ailment and apologized for his actions, stating, “Fuck them for pushing us so far. you don’t deserve this.” Prosecutors have requested that English be detained without bond pending trial, citing the gravity of the charges and the potential danger he poses.

The arrest occurred hours before the Senate confirmed Bessent as Treasury Secretary on January 27, 2025, with a vote of 68-29. The incident has prompted renewed discussions about security measures at the Capitol, especially during high-profile confirmation hearings. The U.S. Capitol Police have stated that the investigation remains ongoing, with K9 units and other officers ensuring the area was secure following English’s arrest.

This is not the first time Molotov cocktails have been involved in incidents targeting public figures or property in recent months. In March 2025, a Las Vegas man was arrested for allegedly using Molotov cocktails to damage Tesla vehicles, and in February 2025, a McAllen, Texas, man faced charges for setting fires with similar devices. However, English’s case stands out due to its targeting of high-ranking government officials at the Capitol.

As the legal process moves forward, federal authorities are expected to provide further details about English’s motives and planning. For now, the indictment serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing law enforcement in protecting public officials amid polarized political climates.

17GEN4.com