On Monday, a man brought two Molotov cocktails and knives to the Capitol was arrested, and now he’s admitted his disturbing plot: to kill Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent (who was just confirmed on Monday).
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Deranged would be an understatement:
Ryan English turned himself in to Capitol Police, admitting he was carrying knives and two Molotov cocktails fashioned out of 50 milliliter Absolut Vodka bottles, stuffed with cloths doused in hand sanitizer.
Police say English indicated that he had intended to target Bessent, the newly confirmed Treasury secretary, and Hegseth, the new Defense secretary. He told authorities he had left his Massachusetts home on Sunday intending to target [House Speaker] Johnson and Hegseth but learned that Bessent’s confirmation vote was slated for Monday.
After English arrived at the Capitol, he realized that he was unlikely to be able to get close to Bessent, given the security in place, and he said he considered taking steps that might amount to “suicide by cop,” according to the court filings.
🚨#BREAKING: U.S. Capitol Police officers have arrested a suspect who claimed to be carrying a Molotov cocktail and a knife
📌#Washington | #DC
Officials from the United States Capitol Police in Washington, D.C. have announced the arrest of a suspect near the East Plaza, close… pic.twitter.com/UVfkiKCthP
— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) January 27, 2025
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Officials from the United States Capitol Police in Washington, D.C. have announced the arrest of a suspect near the East Plaza, close to the ramp leading to the south door of the U.S. Capitol Building. The individual claimed to have a Molotov cocktail and a knife. Officers quickly detained the suspect, who is now in custody as investigators pursue charges related to unlawful activities.
Related: After Hegseth Confirmation, Dems Rumored to Be in Tears and Demanding Struggle Sessions
BREAKING: Senate Votes on Trump’s Treasury Nominee Scott Bessent
This latest attempt at inflicting violence on Republicans comes after Donald Trump faced two assassination attempts during his presidential campaign—one that came within millimeters of killing him. In June of 2022, meanwhile, a heavily armed, deranged man showed up at Supreme Court Justice Bett Kavanaugh’s house with the goal of executing him.
Luckily, those attempts were all thwarted, but an assassination of a non-politician was successful when alleged killer Luigi Mangione shot UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in cold blood on the streets of Manhattan in December—an act that turned him into some sort of folk hero to some twisted minds.
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Cult of Luigi Mangione Grows As Some Sick People Celebrate Suspected Murderer
And, as our Teri Christoph reported, it’s not even the only danger we’ve seen at the Capitol in January:
Armed Man Somehow Made It Past Capitol Security Just a Day After Trump’s Inauguration, USCP Admits
The amount of political violence—or attempts at it—is extremely concerning, and we have to hope that authorities stay on top of it so the next try isn’t a success.
RedState will keep you updated as events warrant.
