A man arrested at the U.S. Capitol on Monday in possession of Molotov cocktails allegedly said he was looking to “kill” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, according to an affidavit released Tuesday.
Ryan Michael “Reily” English, the suspect who turned himself in to police officers on Monday, allegedly told authorities that he traveled to the nation’s capital to try to assassinate Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and House Speaker Mike Johnson before learning that the Senate would be voting to confirm Bessent on Monday, according to a police affidavit released Tuesday. English allegedly considered Hegseth to be a “Nazi,” and he had a note in his back pocket suggesting that his plans to kill one or multiple prominent Republicans were politically-motivated.
English Affidavit by Nick Pope on Scribd
“Judith dear god I am so sorry. You must understand I can feel myself dying slowly b/c of my heart,” read the note found in English’s pocket. “This is terrible but I cant do nothing while nazis kill my sisters. I love you. This is awful. Im so sorry. I love u. Please stay alive and heal. you can. you are strong enough. Fuck them for pushing us so far. you dont deserve this. Im so sorry for lying and plotting and lying. Please survive.”
Additionally, investigators believe English may have also considered trying to burn down the Heritage Foundation, a leading conservative think tank located near the U.S. Capitol, according to the affidavit.
English allegedly planned to throw one of the Molotov cocktails at or near Bessent’s feet, and he would have stabbed Bessent if he could have gotten close enough to do so, according to the affidavit. English had two Molotov cocktails fashioned out of vodka bottles on his person at the time of his arrest, and he also claimed to have more in his vehicle.
English has been charged with Unlawful Receipt, Possession, and/or Transfer of a Firearm and Carrying a Firearm, Dangerous Weapon, Explosive, or Incendiary Device on the Grounds of the Capitol.
Bessent’s confirmation hearing was completed several hours after English was arrested at the Capitol. The Senate confirmed Bessent with a 68-29 vote.
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