Overview

• Ryan Michael English, 24, has been indicted on charges of attempting to assassinate Treasury Secretary nominee Scott Bessent and carrying dangerous weapons on Capitol grounds.
• English brought two improvised Molotov cocktails and a knife to the Capitol on January 27, 2025, with the intent to kill Bessent during his Senate confirmation hearing.
• He initially planned to target other GOP leaders but shifted his focus to Bessent after learning of the nominee’s hearing on the day of his arrival.
• English surrendered voluntarily to Capitol Police, admitting his intentions and possessing a note citing extremist beliefs and personal remorse.
• Following his initial court appearance, English remains in custody awaiting a detention hearing as federal prosecutors pursue charges against him.