A Massachusetts resident was sentenced on Aug. 18 to 73 months in prison for planning to assassinate Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, according to federal court records. Ryan Michael English, 26, of South Deerfield, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty in March to charges including unlawful possession of a firearm and carrying an incendiary device on U.S. Capitol grounds. The sentence includes three months of supervised release following the prison term.
English turned himself in to Capitol Police on Jan. 27, 2025, after arriving in Washington armed with two Molotov cocktails, a folding knife, and a lighter. Prosecutors had sought a 121-month sentence, while English’s defense argued for a reduced term based on mental health struggles and prior trauma. Judge Rudolph Contreras, an appointee of former President Barack Obama, imposed the 73-month sentence, noting English’s history of difficulties and crediting time already served.
Key Details of the Case
English admitted to police that he traveled from Massachusetts with the intent to kill a government official or burn down a Washington think tank, focusing on Bessent, who was undergoing Senate confirmation as Treasury Secretary at the time. Court documents state that English identified as transgender and used the names “Reily” or “Raleigh Jane English”. A note found in his possession read, in part: “This is terrible but I cant do nothing while nazis kill my sisters. I love you. This is awful. Im so sorry.”
Prosecutors described the plot as premeditated, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan Horan stating English had been planning the attack for at least a month. The Molotov cocktails were deemed incapable of igniting, and Bessent was not present at the Capitol when English arrived. Judge Contreras acknowledged the seriousness of the offense but emphasized that no one was harmed and the plan had a “non-existent” chance of success.
Legal and Political Reactions
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro issued a statement after the sentencing, asserting, “My office will not tolerate attempts to intimidate or harm public officials that strike at the heart of our democratic process and are antithetical to the values we all depend on.” The Justice Department’s recommended sentence of 121 months was significantly higher than the imposed 73 months, reflecting prosecutorial discretion in assessing intent and risk.
English’s defense highlighted his mental health challenges and substance abuse issues, with English telling the court, “I never wanted to hurt anyone. I'm not a political person. I'm not a violent person.” Judge Contreras acknowledged English’s difficult background, stating, “You’ve had a very difficult life. Hopefully, the progress you’ve made in jail to this date has set you on the right path.” English has been held in custody since his arrest and will receive credit for nearly 20 months served.
Background and Motivation
Investigators linked English’s actions to Luigi Mangione, who had shot and killed a health insurance executive in New York City the month prior. English reportedly told police he was inspired by Mangione’s attack. The case has drawn attention amid broader concerns about politically motivated violence in the U.S., with prosecutors framing the plot as part of a rising threat to public officials.
The incident occurred on the same day as Bessent’s Senate confirmation, though he was not at the Capitol during English’s arrival. The Molotov cocktails were later determined to be non-functional, and no injuries or property damage resulted from the plot.