The Blaze
A man from Massachusetts, Ryan Michael English, found himself in a heap of trouble at the U.S. Capitol this week. He walked right up to a Capitol police officer and said, “I’d like to turn myself in.” Apparently, he was carrying Molotov cocktails and knives with plans to target people connected to President Trump.
English had quite the journey, driving all the way from Massachusetts to D.C. His initial targets were Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Speaker Mike Johnson. He even considered torching the Heritage Foundation building but switched gears to focus on Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
The police found English with a knife, a lighter, and some Molotov cocktail-like items. In his car, they found similar stuff along with a note that was pretty intense. It was addressed to someone named Judith, expressing sorrow and regret for what he was about to do.
The note also mentioned his feelings of dying slowly due to a heart condition, which seemed to drive his actions. English was open with the police about his plans and even left his phone at home to avoid being tracked. He had bought an atlas with cash and wore a disguise to stay under the radar.
According to the police, English was ready to face the consequences of his actions, even if it meant dying at the hands of the police. He seemed to accept the idea of “suicide by cop” as part of his mission. He told the police, “I felt like I had to do this. I felt like I was on a mission.”
English was slapped with charges related to possessing firearms and explosive devices on Capitol grounds. His public defender later revealed that English, 24, prefers to be called Riley Jane, and media outlets were quick to adjust their reporting.
English was reportedly inspired by another suspect, Luigi Mangione, who was accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. English told the police he didn’t have a concrete plan but felt compelled to act because of Mangione’s story.
Despite turning himself in, English claimed he didn’t want to hurt anyone. “I don’t want to hurt people. That’s why I turned myself in,” he said. He explained to the authorities that he only had months to live due to a heart condition, which seemed to fuel his urgency.
English’s attorney argued for his release, stating he had no prior criminal record and was just using “poor judgment” in his protest. However, prosecutors argued that his actions were well thought out and meant to “send a message.”
Even though the vodka he had might not have been flammable, the seriousness of his intent couldn’t be ignored. English eventually agreed to stay in custody, and a judge set his trial for April 1.
This story has certainly turned heads and raised questions about the motivations and mental state of individuals driven to such extremes. English’s case is a stark reminder of the complex and often troubling times we live in.
