A Massachusetts man, identified as Ryan Michael "Reily" English, was apprehended at the U.S. Capitol on Monday afternoon, authorities have confirmed. English was found in possession of Molotov cocktails and a knife, which he intended to use in an attack on Treasury Secretary nominee Scott Bessent. English's arrest coincided with the Senate's vote on Bessent's nomination, which was confirmed shortly after English turned himself in to police.
English initially harbored intentions to target Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and House Speaker Mike Johnson. However, he shifted his focus to Bessent after learning about the Senate's proceedings regarding Bessent's nomination as Treasury chief. English reportedly stopped at a library in Chevy Chase, Maryland, en route to the Capitol to read up on the Senate vote.
Upon reaching Washington, D.C., English considered deploying Molotov cocktails at Bessent's feet and stabbing him if he got close enough. His plot was thwarted when he voluntarily surrendered to U.S. Capitol Police at 3:12 p.m. ET.
The charges against English include unlawful receipt, possession, or transfer of a firearm and carrying a firearm, explosive, or incendiary device on Capitol grounds. These charges reflect the seriousness of the threat posed by English's possession of weapons and incendiary devices.
The Senate proceeded with its agenda, confirming Bessent's nomination approximately three hours following English's arrest. Despite the disruption, the legislative body continued its evaluation and decision-making processes undeterred.