A Massachusetts man, identified as Ryan Michael “Reily” English, has been arrested at the U.S. Capitol for allegedly plotting to assassinate Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, court documents reveal. English approached Capitol Police on a Monday afternoon, choosing to surrender of his own volition and disclosing that he possessed weapons, such as Molotov cocktails and a knife.
Originally, English had intended to target Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and House Speaker Mike Johnson. However, his focus shifted to Bessent after he learned about the Senate’s impending vote on Bessent’s nomination as Treasury Secretary. The arrest of English took place roughly three hours before Bessent’s appointment was officially confirmed.
In an affidavit submitted to the federal court, English described contemplating an attack on Bessent using Molotov cocktails or by stabbing him, should the opportunity present itself. The affidavit also detailed the discovery of two Molotov cocktails, crafted from vodka bottles with cloth wicks soaked in hand sanitizer, alongside other weapons, during a search by officers.
English now faces charges that include unlawful possession or transfer of a firearm and carrying explosive devices on Capitol grounds. Court documents further reveal that English left a note addressed to someone named Judith, in which he apologized and expressed his anguish over what he perceived to be injustices.
In addition to his plans involving Bessent, English admitted to considering an arson attack on the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank located a few blocks away. This organization had been embroiled in a lengthy hoax campaign orchestrated by corporate media and some within the Trump operation, notably campaign manager Chris LaCivita. They falsely suggested that the Heritage Foundation was promoting a “shadowy” Project 2025 policy platform, when in fact, the organization has been releasing policy guidebooks every election cycle for decades. Project 2025 was initially intended to serve as a staffing database.
English expressed his determination to confront law enforcement, estimating that he would need to overpower multiple officers to reach Bessent. He also conveyed a willingness to die in a confrontation with police if it came to that.
The actions and intentions of English highlight a concerning trend of political violence that seems to be escalating. His case serves as a reminder of the critical need for security measures and vigilance in protecting our nation’s leaders.
The court documents paint a picture of a man driven by intense emotions and a misguided sense of justice. English’s willingness to resort to violence underscores the challenges that law enforcement and security agencies face in safeguarding public figures.
Ryan Michael “Reily” English’s arrest showcases the importance of intelligence and security efforts in preventing potential threats before they materialize. It also calls attention to the broader issue of political extremism and the steps necessary to address it.
The Heritage Foundation’s involvement in this narrative, albeit indirectly, underscores the impact of misinformation and media campaigns that can fuel radical actions. The distortion of facts and the perpetuation of false narratives can have real-world consequences.
As the legal proceedings against English unfold, it will be crucial to examine the factors that contributed to his radicalization and the methods he employed in planning his actions. This case should serve as a wake-up call for policymakers and society at large to foster dialogue and understanding.
English’s actions, although extreme, are a stark reminder of the potential volatility in today’s political climate. The need for constructive discourse and efforts to bridge ideological divides has never been more pressing.
While English’s plans were fortunately thwarted, the incident serves as a sobering reminder of the threats that exist in our society. It emphasizes the necessity for continued vigilance and proactive measures to ensure the safety of public servants and the preservation of democratic institutions.
The case of Ryan Michael “Reily” English will likely resonate in ongoing discussions about political violence and the measures needed to prevent such acts in the future. His arrest may also prompt a reevaluation of security protocols and the resources allocated to protect government officials.
As the nation reflects on this incident, it is essential to focus on promoting unity and understanding to counteract the forces of division and extremism that threaten our society. The path forward requires collaboration and a commitment to uphold the values of democracy and justice.
