A man arrested after allegedly bringing Molotov cocktails to the Capitol told police he intended to kill House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Politico reported Tuesday, citing court filings by federal prosecutors.
On Monday, Ryan English turned himself in to Capitol Police shortly after 3 p.m. near the ramp leading to the Capitol building's south door, according to a U.S. Capitol spokesperson. He claimed to be carrying knives and Molotov cocktails and a search of him found a folding knife and two Molotov cocktails fashioned out of 50 milliliter Absolut Vodka bottles, stuffed with cloths doused in hand sanitizer, according to the criminal complaint.
English told authorities he left his Massachusetts home Sunday intending to target Johnson and Hegseth but learned that Bessent’s confirmation vote was set for Monday.
English faces charges of unlawful transportation of a firearm and bringing an incendiary device into the Capitol.
The incident marks the latest in a series of security concerns at the Capitol. Last week Capitol Police arrested James A. Faber, also of Massachusetts, on charges of unlawful activities, carrying a pistol without a license, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and resisting arrest. Police said they were notified after reports of a man with mental health issues and suicidal thoughts entered the Capitol Visitor Center and taken a Capitol tour.
James Morley III ✉
James Morley III is a writer with more than two decades of experience in entertainment, travel, technology, and science and nature.
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