A man has been arrested and charged with multiple counts of weapons violations after allegedly bringing two Molotov cocktails and multiple knives to the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.
According to federal prosecutors, Ryan English, 43, of Massachusetts, initially intended to kill House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and newly confirmed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. He was arrested on Monday after turning himself in to the U.S. Capitol Police.
During a search, officers found English with a folding knife and Molotov cocktails in his jacket pockets. Investigators also discovered materials to make additional Molotov cocktails inside his vehicle.
English allegedly told investigators that he planned to kill Bessent, who was confirmed to lead the Treasury Department on Monday. He also intended to stab Bessent if he was able to get close to him. He had planned to burn down the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, and had considered killing at least three Capitol Police officers to get to Bessent.
A receipt found in English’s pants pocket contained a message expressing his desire to kill, citing the actions of “nazis” and his dissatisfaction with the government. He also expressed his regret and apologies to his loved one.
Since January 2024, the U.S. Capitol Police have confiscated more than 50 illegally transported weapons outside of congressional buildings. English faces charges of carrying a firearm, dangerous weapon, explosive or incendiary device on Capitol grounds, and unlawful receipt or possession of a firearm.