Rhode Island man charged after attempt to bring explosives to Capitol Grounds
WASHINGTON - The man arrested Monday after admitting to carrying two Molotov cocktails and two knives onto the U.S. Capitol grounds has been identified as 24-year-old Ryan M. English from Rhode Island.
English told police that he wanted to kill top Republicans, including billionaire investor Scott Bessent on the day that the Senate confirmed him as President Donald Trump’s treasury secretary, according to a Tuesday court filing.
Capitol Police investigation
The backstory:
Investigators said they found a folding knife, two homemade firebombs and a lighter in English’s possession.
U.S. Capitol Police officers later discovered additional materials to make Molotov cocktails in English's vehicle nearby.
Reports state English approached a U.S. Capitol Police officer on the east plaza near the south door of the Capitol Building around 3:15 p.m. and disclosed that he had the weapons.
Capitol Police officers secured the area, including conducting a sweep with K9 units, while other officers located English’s vehicle along the 900 block of Independence Avenue, SW.
English told investigators that he traveled from Massachusetts to Washington, D.C., intending to kill other Republican political figures — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and House Speaker Mike Johnson — and to burn down the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, according to police. English also told police that he came there to kill Bessent, the affidavit says.
English was taken into custody and faces charges, including unlawful activities. The case is now with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for further investigation and prosecution.
Big picture view:
This incident is part of a growing security concern on Capitol grounds. Capitol Police reported that, since January 2024, they have confiscated more than 50 illegal weapons in the vicinity of Congressional buildings.
Authorities emphasized that no injuries occurred during the incident and there was no immediate threat to public safety.
The Source: The information in this report comes from the U.S. Capitol Police Department and the Associated Press.