Massachusetts man charged with bringing Molotov cocktails to Capitol, targeting key Trump allies

The man, identified as Ryan English, turned himself into Capitol Police on Monday and admitted to transporting knives and two Molotov cocktails.

Published: January 28, 2025 3:41pm

A Massachusetts man on Tuesday was charged with bringing incendiary devices to the Capitol building, after allegedly bringing two Molotov cocktails to Capitol Hill in an attempt to harm or kill influential members of Congress and of President Donald Trump's Cabinet.

The man, identified as Ryan English, turned himself into Capitol Police on Monday and admitted to transporting knives and two Molotov cocktails fashioned out of 50 milliliter Absolut Vodka bottles, which were stuffed with cloth doused in hand sanitizer, per Politico.

English allegedly told Capitol Police that he was intending to target Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. English claimed he was originally planning to target House Speaker Mike Johnson and/or Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth but changed the plan upon learning of Bessent's confirmation vote. 

The man also claimed that he realized he would not get close enough to his targets when he saw security that was in place for Bessent's confirmation, and considered taking actions that could result in suicide by cop, according to court documents. 

A note was also found on English that read: “Judith dear god I am so sorry. You must understand I can feel myself dying slowly b/c of my heart. This is terrible but I cant do nothing while nazis kill my sisters. I love you. This is awful. I'm so sorry. I love u. Please stay alive and heal. You can. You are strong enough. F*** them for pushing us so far. You don't deserve this. I'm so sorry for lying and plotting and lying. Please survive [7 hearts]."

He has been formally charged with unlawful transportation of a firearm and bringing an incendiary device into the Capitol.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.

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