A Massachusetts man was apprehended at the U.S. Capitol on Monday, equipped with knives and Molotov cocktails, intending to attack newly confirmed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

Ryan Michael "Reily" English turned himself into authorities, expressing his plan to commit violence against Bessent following changes to his original targets, as the Post Millennial reports.

English approached a Capitol Police Officer near the South Door of the Capitol at about 3:12 p.m, voluntarily surrendering himself. He informed the officer of his possession of multiple knives and two Molotov cocktails.

A search revealed a folding knife and vodka bottles configured as explosive devices inside his jacket.

Unfolding Plot Against Political Figures

The confiscated vodka bottles had cloth wicks soaked in hand sanitizer, indicating preparation for incendiary use. English admitted he came to the Capitol to harm Scott Bessent.

Further investigation led authorities to English's vehicle, parked nearby, where a larger bottle of vodka and a sweatshirt missing pieces of cloth were discovered.

A handwritten note addressed to someone named Judith was found in English’s pocket. The note expressed English's emotional turmoil and feelings of remorse, as well as a call for Judith to endure. The note revealed personal distress and motivations behind his drastic measures.

English departed from his Massachusetts residence on Sunday, Jan. 26, with a plan initially targeting other officials and institutions. He intended to target Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, or to attack the Heritage Foundation.

Social Media Influence Alters Target

While in a library in Chevy Chase, Maryland, English's focus shifted to Scott Bessent after reading about his confirmation hearing on Reddit. The information he found significantly altered his violent intentions, redirecting his aggression towards Bessent.

His plan envisioned starting fires with the vodka bottles and ultimately using them as weapons against Bessent. English also planned to stab Bessent if proximity permitted, harboring a determination to reach his target at any cost.

English anticipated encountering lethal force from law enforcement, estimating he would need to overcome several Capitol Police officers. He consciously accepted the potential for violence and danger, including the possibility of being fatally shot.

Formal Charges Lodged

Authorities charged English with violations of Title 26 U.S. Code § 5861 regarding unlawful weapon possession. Title 40 U.S. Code § 5104 violations were also cited, signaling concerns over carrying weapons on Capitol grounds.

Bessent’s confirmation as Treasury secretary was finalized the same day in a majority Senate vote of 68-29. Former President Donald Trump lauded Bessent's commitment to economic revitalization in his nomination announcement last November.

Trump highlighted Bessent's alignment with the "America First Agenda" and his role in fostering a new era for the U.S. economy. Expectations for economic leadership highlighted the importance placed on Bessent within the administration’s plans.

Context of Security Concerns

Incidents such as English’s arrest underscore ongoing security challenges faced at the Capitol. Earlier in January, a man was arrested with a machete and knives inside the Capitol Visitor Center.

Additionally, another man was detained on Election Day with potentially dangerous items, expressing intentions to deliver materials to Congress. These events reveal persistent security vulnerabilities and the need for vigilance.

In response to such threats, Capitol law enforcement remains on high alert, balancing public access with safeguarding governmental institutions.

The arrest of English at the Capitol exemplifies the ongoing challenges in ensuring safety within this critical area of government operations.