Background on Riley Jane English

Riley Jane English, previously known as Ryan Michael English, is a 24-year-old individual from South Deerfield, Massachusetts. English identifies as transgender and uses the name Riley Jane. According to court documents, English approached Capitol Police and turned herself in, admitting to carrying weapons with the intent to harm government officials. English’s actions were reportedly driven by a mix of personal grievances and ideological motivations, including references to “Nazis” and a desire to “send a message” by targeting conservative figures. English also claimed to have a congenital heart defect, stating she was terminally ill and wanted to “do something before I go.”

The Incident

On the afternoon of January 28, 2025, at approximately 3:12 p.m., English approached a U.S. Capitol Police officer near the south entrance of the Capitol building. English stated, “I’d like to turn myself in,” and informed the officer that she was armed. Upon searching English, police found a folding knife, two homemade firebombs (Molotov cocktails) constructed from 50-milliliter vodka bottles with cloth wicks, and a lighter. English confessed that she intended to kill Scott Bessent, who had been confirmed as Treasury Secretary earlier that day, as well as Pete Hegseth and Mike Johnson.

Additionally, English had plans to burn down the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank located two blocks from the White House. Court documents revealed that English’s intentions were “specifically to ‘depose’ these political offices and send a message.” English also mentioned being inspired by Luigi Mangione, who is accused of killing the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, indicating a possible influence from other high-profile acts of violence.

Timeline of Key Events

Statements by English

During questioning, English revealed that she felt “on a mission” and had been contemplating her actions for some time. She mentioned being terminally ill and expressed a desire to “do something before I go.” Initially, English thought her plan was “stupid” and that it “accomplishes nothing,” but she proceeded nonetheless. A note found on English read, “You must understand I can feel myself dying slowly because of my heart. This is terrible, but I can’t do nothing while Nazis kill my sisters.” This suggests a deep-seated anger or desperation, possibly driven by personal health issues and political beliefs.

Defense Attorney’s Statement

Maria Jacob, English’s defense attorney, stated that English went to the Capitol “as a cry for help” and did not intend to harm anyone. Jacob emphasized that English was not aggressive, did not brandish the items as weapons, and even assisted the police in retrieving the items from her possession. However, prosecutors have highlighted the seriousness of the charges, given the nature of the weapons found and the explicit threats made against high-ranking government officials.

Legal Proceedings

English has been charged with weapons charges, specifically for carrying a dangerous weapon on Capitol grounds and possessing an unregistered destructive device. As of May 2025, English remains in custody, and her case is ongoing. No trial date has been set, but the defense has argued that English’s actions were a “cry for help” rather than a genuine attempt to carry out the threats, pointing to her cooperation with police and her health condition.

Background on the Targets

• Scott Bessent: Confirmed as the 79th United States Secretary of the Treasury on January 27, 2025, Bessent is a former hedge fund manager with extensive experience in global investment management. He was a key supporter and advisor to President Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign and was sworn in as Treasury Secretary on January 28, 2025 (U.S. Department of the Treasury).

• Pete Hegseth: Sworn in as the 29th United States Secretary of Defense on January 25, 2025, Hegseth is a former Army National Guard officer and television presenter. His confirmation was marked by controversy due to his past statements and associations, but he was ultimately confirmed by the Senate (Defense.gov).

• Mike Johnson: Serving as the Speaker of the House, Johnson is a prominent Republican leader in Congress and has been a key figure in the Trump administration’s legislative agenda.

Motivations and Context

English’s actions appear to be politically motivated, with references to “Nazis” in her note and her intention to target conservative figures. Initially, English planned to target Hegseth and Johnson, whom she referred to as “Nazis,” but shifted her focus to Bessent after learning about his confirmation hearing on Reddit. English’s note suggests she perceived these officials as threats to certain groups or individuals she identified with, possibly related to her personal identity or beliefs. Her mention of being inspired by Luigi Mangione, who pleaded not guilty to murder and terror charges, further indicates a connection to broader ideological or personal grievances (AP News).

English’s claim of a terminal illness adds a layer of complexity, suggesting that personal desperation may have played a role in her actions. The combination of health issues, ideological beliefs, and external influences like Mangione’s case paints a picture of a deeply troubled individual driven to extreme measures.

Security Implications

This incident highlights ongoing security concerns at the U.S. Capitol, especially in light of previous breaches and threats. The fact that English was able to approach the Capitol with weapons, even if she turned herself in, raises questions about the effectiveness of current security measures and the need for enhanced protocols. Law enforcement agencies have praised the quick response of the Capitol Police, but this event underscores the importance of vigilance in protecting public officials.

Public and Official Reactions

The arrest of English has sparked a range of reactions. Law enforcement agencies have commended the Capitol Police for their swift action, while others have called for a review of security procedures. Politicians across the spectrum have condemned the act, emphasizing the need for unity and safety in political discourse. The incident has also reignited debates about mental health, ideological extremism, and the influences that drive individuals to such extreme actions. Some commentators have pointed to the role of online platforms like Reddit in amplifying grievances, while others stress the need for better mental health support to prevent such incidents.

Conclusion

The attempted assassination plot by Riley Jane English at the U.S. Capitol is a stark reminder of the volatile political climate and the importance of vigilance in protecting public officials. As the legal proceedings continue, this incident will likely prompt further discussions on security, mental health, and the need to address underlying issues that fuel such drastic actions. It serves as a call to action for policymakers, law enforcement, and society at large to ensure the safety of democratic institutions and to foster a culture of respectful and constructive political engagement.