A Massachusetts man has been indicted on federal charges after allegedly attempting to bring a knife and two Molotov cocktails into the U.S. Capitol with the intent to attack a presidential cabinet nominee.
Ryan Michael English, 24, of South Deerfield, was formally charged Tuesday in a two-count indictment filed in U.S. District Court. The charges include attempted assassination of a cabinet nominee and possession of a dangerous weapon on Capitol grounds, authorities said.
U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr. and U.S. Capitol Police Chief J. Thomas Manger made the announcement. English, who also goes by the name “Reily,” remains in custody and appeared in court for the first time Tuesday afternoon.
Court documents state that on Jan. 27, 2025, at around 3:12 p.m., English approached a Capitol Police officer near the South Door of the Capitol and voluntarily said, “I’d like to turn myself in.” He then disclosed that he was carrying a knife and two homemade incendiary devices.
Officers searched English and found a folding knife and two small vodka bottles modified with cloth wicks—described as improvised Molotov cocktails—inside his jacket. A green lighter was also found in his possession.
Authorities say English admitted he intended to assassinate a presidential nominee who was testifying before the U.S. Senate that day.
A note addressed to a family member was discovered in his pocket, stating, “Judith dear god I am so sorry. You must understand I can feel myself dying slowly b/c of my heart. This is terrible but I cant do nothing while nazis kill my sisters. I love you. This is awful. I’m so sorry. I love u. Please stay alive and heal. You can. You are strong enough. F*** them for pushing us so far. You don’t deserve this. I’m so sorry for lying and plotting and lying. Please survive [7 hearts].”
English allegedly told investigators that he had traveled to Washington, D.C., either to kill a government official or to set fire to a think tank in the city.
The investigation is ongoing and being led by the U.S. Capitol Police. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan M. Horan is prosecuting the case.
