Ryan Michael English, a 24-year-old from South Deerfield, Massachusetts, has been indicted on two serious charges: attempting to assassinate a Cabinet member and possessing dangerous weapons at the U.S. Capitol.
The charges stem from an incident on January 27, 2025, when English allegedly tried to enter the Capitol Building with a knife and two homemade Molotov cocktails. His apparent target was Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr. and Capitol Police Chief J. Thomas Manger have confirmed the charges.
Currently in custody, English, who goes by the nickname ‘Reily,’ made his first court appearance today. He’s facing charges related to the possession of weapons and incendiary devices within Capitol grounds.
On the afternoon of January 27, around 3:12 p.m., English approached a U.S. Capitol Police officer near the building’s South Door and said, “I would like to surrender myself.” He admitted to carrying a knife and two Molotov cocktails in his jacket pockets. Officers found the weapons, including the improvised devices made from vodka bottles with cloths attached to the tops. A green lighter was also found in his possession.
In a chilling confession, English reportedly said he came to the Capitol with the intent to assassinate a presidential candidate who was testifying before the Senate. A letter found in his pocket read, “This is terrible, but I cannot remain passive while Nazis harm my sisters… I sincerely regret my deceit, planning, and dishonesty.” He further explained that he had come to Washington, D.C., to kill a government official or target a think tank based in the city.
Meanwhile, in a separate investigation, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that the FBI is reviewing a significant number of videos related to Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted financier and pedophile. Bondi confirmed the delay in the release of these files, explaining that the extensive material is still being carefully examined.
Epstein’s connections to powerful figures and his mysterious death in 2019 while in custody have fueled ongoing speculation about his criminal activities. Some are still hoping for transparency regarding Epstein’s alleged “client list,” although no such list has been found, according to multiple sources involved in the investigation.
As the investigation into Epstein continues, concerns about the destruction of important files have been raised, with Rep. James Comer, Chairman of the House Oversight Committee, speaking out about the delay in releasing the documents. The push for transparency remains a major topic as the new administration promises to investigate fully.
In other developments related to Epstein’s victims, Virginia Giuffre, one of the women who accused him of abuse, tragically took her own life earlier this year after battling mental health challenges. Her death adds yet another layer of heartbreak to the ongoing saga.