Man Arrested At Capitol With Explosives After Targeting Trump Officials

Federal agents arrested a Massachusetts man at the U.S. Capitol after he voluntarily confessed to planning an assassination attempt against Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Ryan Michael English, 31, approached an officer and admitted he was armed with weapons, including Molotov cocktails, according to law enforcement.

Authorities say English turned himself in around 3:12 p.m. Monday, carrying a knife and two small firebombs made from vodka bottles and hand sanitizer. His vehicle, parked nearby, contained additional incendiary materials, suggesting a larger-scale plan.

Court documents indicate English initially planned to attack Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and House Speaker Mike Johnson. However, after reading about Bessent’s confirmation, he redirected his focus. He reportedly left his phone at home, using a cash-purchased road atlas to navigate to Washington, D.C., in an effort to avoid digital tracking.

During his confession, English detailed his intentions, saying he planned to use the firebombs to create destruction before attempting to stab Bessent. He also admitted he was mentally prepared to confront law enforcement, stating he considered forcing officers into a deadly standoff.

A handwritten note found in his possession expressed remorse to a loved one while justifying his attack as necessary political action. Investigators say English viewed his targets as enemies who needed to be removed.

English has been charged with possession of an unregistered firearm, carrying an explosive device on government grounds, and making threats against federal officials. Authorities are investigating potential connections to extremist groups or outside influence.