Armed Man Arrested At Capitol Admits To Plotting Assassination Of Trump Cabinet Members

Authorities arrested a Massachusetts man outside the U.S. Capitol after he voluntarily surrendered, admitting he had come to assassinate newly confirmed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Ryan Michael English, 31, was taken into custody Monday after telling Capitol Police he was carrying weapons and had plans to kill high-ranking Republican officials.

English approached an officer near the Capitol building at approximately 3:12 p.m., revealing that he had two Molotov cocktails, a knife, and a lighter. According to court filings, investigators also searched his vehicle parked nearby and discovered additional evidence, including fabric and accelerants consistent with the makeshift firebombs found on his person.

The suspect, who had driven from Massachusetts, initially planned to target Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and House Speaker Mike Johnson before shifting his focus to Bessent after reading online discussions about the Treasury Secretary’s confirmation. English admitted he traveled without a phone to avoid tracking, navigating to Washington, D.C., using a paper atlas purchased in cash.

Authorities say English detailed his plan, stating he intended to set fires with the Molotov cocktails and, if given the opportunity, stab Bessent. His confession also indicated he was prepared to attack Capitol Police if necessary and considered forcing a confrontation that could lead to “suicide by cop.”

Investigators found a handwritten note in English’s pocket expressing regret and referencing what he believed was a dire political situation. Special Agent Peter Campopiano, in an affidavit, described the suspect’s motivations as political, citing his reference to his targets as “Nazis” and his stated intent to remove them from power.

English faces multiple charges, including unlawful possession of a firearm and carrying incendiary devices on Capitol grounds. His case is expected to move swiftly through the federal court system as law enforcement examines whether additional threats or accomplices may be linked to his actions.