Man Arrested Near Capitol with Intent to Kill Republican Politicians

On Monday, a man was taken into custody in Washington D.C. while carrying a folding knife and two homemade molotov cocktails, with court filings alleging his intention to kill several high-profile Republican figures. Identified as Ryan English, he surrendered to police near a Capitol entrance, where a search revealed he had two 50ml bottles containing vodka and shredded clothing, which were intended for use as incendiary devices.

Authorities later searched English's vehicle parked close by and discovered a larger bottle of vodka along with a sweatshirt that matched material found in the molotovs. English reportedly confessed to law enforcement that he traveled from Massachusetts specifically to murder House Speaker Mike Johnson and Hegseth, who has recently attained Senate confirmation for the position of defense secretary in Donald Trump's second administration. He was quoted calling Hegseth a “Nazi” during his statements.

Moreover, he expressed a desire to kill Scott Bessent, Trump’s newly confirmed treasury secretary, after learning about Bessent's confirmation. Investigators believe English might have also planned to attack the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank located near the Capitol. Prosecutors highlighted that English was aware of the potential fatal consequences of his actions, having penned an apology note that conveyed his frustrations. He now faces charges for unlawfully transporting a firearm and for bringing incendiary devices to the Capitol.