Individual accused of bringing homemade incendiary devices to the Capitol, reportedly aimed to harm Bessent, Hegseth, and Johnson

A man was arrested on Monday for allegedly bringing two Molotov cocktails to the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Federal prosecutors revealed that he had initially planned to harm House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., along with newly confirmed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

Ryan English surrendered to the U.S. Capitol Police and disclosed that he was in possession of two Molotov cocktails made from 50 milliliter Absolut Vodka bottles, as well as multiple knives, as per court documents. He is facing charges for carrying a firearm, dangerous weapon, explosive or incendiary device on Capitol grounds, as well as unlawful receipt or possession of a firearm.

During a search, officers found English with a folding knife and Molotov cocktails in his jacket pockets, authorities said. 

“USCP K9s conducted a search and secured the area, while additional USCP officers and agents located English’s vehicle in the 900 block of Independence Avenue, SW,” the statement from Capitol Police reported. “Investigators found materials for creating more Molotov cocktails inside the car.”

Scott Bessent testifies before a Senate Finance Committee hearing on his nomination to be Treasury secretary, on Capitol Hill on Jan. 16, 2025. (Getty)

At some point, English stopped at a library in Chevy Chase, Maryland, where he saw posts on Reddit mentioning the confirmation hearings for Bessent. He allegedly altered his target to focus on Bessent and purchased alcohol bottles to make the Molotov cocktails to “throw them at Bessent’s feet,” court documents state. 

He told authorities that he planned to stab Bessent if he was able to get close to him. While constructing his plan, English surmised that he would have to kill at least three Capitol Police officers to get to Bessent. 

Pete Hegseth speaks with reporters following a meeting with senators on Capitol Hill. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.)

Realizing he was unlikely to get close to Bessent, English “expressed acceptance and content with the possibility of suicide by cop.”

Since January 2024, the USCP has confiscated more than 50 weapons, outside of the congressional buildings, that were illegally on Capitol grounds, the agency said.