Massachusetts Man Charged with Attempted Assassination of Cabinet Nominee

A suspect from Massachusetts faces charges for allegedly trying to assassinate a candidate nominated for a cabinet position.

Ryan Michael English, 24, was arrested in January, accused of attempting to carry a knife and a homemade Molotov cocktail to the Capitol with the intention of harming then-Treasury Secretary candidate Scott Bescent during his nomination process.

On Thursday, English was formally charged with the attempted assassination of a cabinet nominee and possessing dangerous weapons within the Capitol. Prosecutors cited the murder case involving United Healthcare CEO suspect Luigi Mangione as an influence, noting that English had initially planned to target House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and Defense Secretary Pete Hegzes as well.

According to a preliminary criminal complaint, on January 27, English approached a U.S. Capitol Police officer and stated, “I want to attract myself.” Court documents revealed that he had two Molotov cocktails and two knives, suggesting a clear intent to “kill Scott Bescent.”

English traveled from Massachusetts to Washington, reportedly with plans to burn the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank located near the White House, expressing extreme views.

During a search of his jacket, Capitol police found two homemade explosive devices: a folding knife along with grey fabric in one pocket and vodka bottles with lighters in the other.

English made his initial court appearance on Thursday afternoon.