Man Armed With Explosives Arrested At Capitol After Alleged Plot Against Trump Cabinet

A Massachusetts man was taken into custody at the U.S. Capitol on Monday after telling police he had come to assassinate newly confirmed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. The suspect, Ryan Michael English, 31, was found carrying weapons, including Molotov cocktails and a knife, when he voluntarily approached an officer.

Authorities say English arrived in Washington, D.C., after traveling from Massachusetts without a phone to avoid detection. He admitted to law enforcement that he initially planned to target Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and House Speaker Mike Johnson but shifted his focus to Bessent after reading about his confirmation hearings.

Capitol Police officers quickly detained English and searched his vehicle, discovering additional incendiary materials. According to the arrest affidavit, he told authorities he planned to use the Molotov cocktails to start fires as a diversion and intended to stab Bessent if given the chance.

A handwritten note was found on English at the time of his arrest, apologizing to a loved one and blaming his intended targets for what he saw as political injustices. Court filings state he viewed his actions as a way to “depose” those in power, referring to his targets as “Nazis.”

Federal officials have charged English with multiple serious offenses, including possession of an unregistered destructive device, carrying a weapon on Capitol grounds, and making threats against government officials. Law enforcement is investigating whether he acted alone or if others may have been involved in his planning.

English remains in custody as authorities work to determine the full extent of his plot. His case is expected to move quickly through the legal system given the nature of the charges.