Ryan Michael English, also known as Riley English, has been arrested for allegedly planning to assassinate members of President Donald Trump’s cabinet. English was found in possession of weapons and homemade firebombs near the U.S. Capitol. What motivated English to target Republican political figures?
The Threat Unveiled: English’s Alarming Plan
Ryan Michael English approached police at the U.S. Capitol, confessing his intent to kill members of President Trump’s cabinet. The severity of the situation became apparent when authorities discovered English was armed with a folding knife, two homemade firebombs, and a lighter.
English’s initial targets included various Republican figures and the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank. However, he later shifted focus to Scott Bessent, a billionaire investor, after reading about his treasury secretary confirmation.
A Massachusetts man — Ryan Michael "Reily" English, also known as Riley Jane English, a 24-year-old transgender — was arrested on Monday at the U. S. Capitol armed with Molotov cocktails and knives.https://t.co/71TkxTHllo pic.twitter.com/s9iuqOrDNA
— Watching The Defectives (@shannon_alter) January 30, 2025
The Mangione Connection: A Disturbing Influence
English claimed to be influenced by Luigi Mangione, an individual charged with the murder of the CEO of UnitedHealthcare. This connection raises concerns about the potential for copycat crimes and the spread of extremist ideologies.
Prosecutors described English’s actions as premeditated and calculated, indicating a level of planning that goes beyond a momentary lapse in judgment. English reportedly told investigators, “I wanted to do something before I go,” suggesting a sense of desperation behind his actions.
Ryan Michael English, a man pretending to be a woman, was arrested at the US Capitol for allegedly attempting to kiII United States Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent.
English also had expressed an intention to kill Defense Sec. Pete Hegseth, Speaker Mike Johnson, and… pic.twitter.com/7BXWYhuxpi
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) January 30, 2025
Legal Defense and Mental Health Concerns
Defense attorney Maria Jacob argued that English’s actions were a “cry for help” rather than a genuine intent to harm. Jacob emphasized that English was cooperative and non-aggressive toward Capitol police during his arrest.
The case highlights the complex intersection of mental health, political extremism, and public safety. English’s claim of being terminally ill adds another layer to the already complicated situation, raising questions about the motivations behind his alleged plot.