Ryan Michael English, a 24-year-old resident of South Deerfield, Massachusetts, faces charges in connection with an alleged assassination attempt on a presidential cabinet nominee. The U.S. District Court has filed a two-count indictment against English for the attempted assassination and carrying a dangerous weapon on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol Building.
U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr. and Chief J. Thomas Manger of the U.S. Capitol Police announced the charges after English's initial court appearance this afternoon.
English, also known as "Reily," is accused of possessing a dangerous weapon or incendiary device at the Capitol and unlawfully possessing an incendiary device.
The charging documents detail that on January 27, 2025, around 3:12 p.m., English approached a U.S. Capitol Police Officer near the South Door of the Capitol Building and stated, “I’d like to turn myself in.” He admitted to having a knife and two "Molotov cocktails."
Upon searching English, officers found a folding knife and two improvised incendiary devices made from vodka bottles with cloth affixed to their tops in his jacket pockets. A green lighter was recovered from another pocket.
During questioning, English allegedly confessed his intent to kill a presidential nominee testifying before the U.S. Senate or burn down a Washington D.C.-based think-tank. A note addressed to a family member was found in his pocket expressing remorse for his actions and referencing perceived threats from "nazis."
The case is under investigation by the U.S. Capitol Police and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan M. Horan.
It is important to note that an indictment is merely an allegation; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court.