On Monday, January 29, 2025, the U.S. Capitol Police apprehended Ryan English, a Massachusetts resident who allegedly planned to assassinate high-ranking Republican officials, including House Speaker Mike Johnson and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. English, described as unhinged and desperate, arrived at the Capitol armed with knives and homemade incendiary devices, demonstrating the alarming rise of political extremism.
According to court documents, English approached Capitol Police around 3 p.m. at the building's south door, where he expressed his desire to surrender. Officers discovered him to be carrying a folding knife, along with Molotov cocktails crafted from 50-milliliter bottles of Absolut vodka, each fitted with makeshift fuses made from grey cloth soaked in hand sanitizer. A green BIC lighter was also recovered from his pants pocket, adding to the threatening nature of his possession.
Following his arrest, police searched English’s car, which yielded more alarming discoveries. Officers uncovered a larger 750-milliliter bottle of Smirnoff 100-proof vodka and clothing consistent with the fabric used for the incendiary devices. Prosecutors have classified English's actions as premeditated, as he had initially set out with the intent to kill Johnson and Hegseth before modifying his targets on their way to Washington.
It became apparent during questioning by police, English had been aware of Scott Bessent’s confirmation as Treasury Secretary and aimed to include him among his potential victims. He allegedly claimed he intended to throw the Molotov cocktails at Bessent and stab him if he could get close enough. Upon realizing the obstacles to approach his targets at the Capitol, he reportedly expressed acceptance of “suicide by cop,” indicating his willingness to die rather than abandon his violent plans.
Federal prosecutors portrayed English as someone deeply disillusioned by political events, noting his statements about wanting to “depose these political offices and send a message” through violence. The imminent confirmation of Bessent, coupled with rising political tensions during early 2025, seemingly served as the catalyst for the drastic measures English contemplated.
English had allegedly considered setting fire to the Heritage Foundation, indicating not only personal enmity but also broader political motivations at play. Federal authorities fear incidents like these might become more frequent, reflecting increased radicalization among politically motivated individuals.
Capitol Police take such threats seriously, having recently heightened security measures amid growing concerns about political violence. The FBI has also been involved following English's statements, which have far-reaching ramifications for the safety of public officials. State and federal law enforcement aimed to thwart such plans long before they escalate to acts of terrorism.
Following his arrest, Ryan English has been charged with unlawful possession of firearms and explosives on Capitol grounds. Law enforcement agencies continue to assess the state's political climate as they grapple with the troubling impacts of extremist rhetoric and behavior. The fear of violence surrounding political events has led officials to urge caution, fostering considerable concern among lawmakers and law enforcement alike.
The arrest serves as both a shocking reminder of the potential dangers facing U.S. political leaders and the need for vigilance. Following this incident, political discussions are more urgent as lawmakers recognize the serious threats they face from individuals driven to extreme behavior.
Each of these elements points to troubling undercurrents of violence surrounding American politics. Despite the resilient ideals of democracy and open discourse, the past couple of years have witnessed tumultuous periods marked by heightened tensions, civil unrest, and violence fueled by political divides.
Law enforcement will remain on high alert as the investigation continues, seeking to unearth the broader networks or motivations behind individuals like English. The alarming frequency of such cases serves as both cautionary tales and drives governmental bodies to reassess security protocols.