Ryan Michael English, 24, of South Deerfield, Massachusetts, has been indicted on two federal charges after allegedly attempting to enter the U.S. Capitol with a knife and homemade incendiary devices.
According to court documents, English was charged with attempting to assault a federal official and carrying a dangerous weapon on Capitol grounds. The charges were filed in U.S. District Court and announced by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the U.S. Capitol Police.
The incident occurred on January 27, 2025, at approximately 3:12 p.m., when English approached a Capitol Police officer near the South Door and stated, “I’d like to turn myself in.” He informed officers that he was carrying a knife and two Molotov cocktails.
Officers discovered a folding knife and two homemade incendiary devices fashioned from small vodka bottles with cloth wicks inside English’s jacket. A lighter was also found in another pocket. A handwritten note found on English expressed distress and remorse for his actions.
English reportedly told authorities he had traveled to Washington, D.C., with the intent to harm an individual or damage an organization located in the city. He remains in custody following his initial court appearance.
The case is under investigation by the U.S. Capitol Police. Brendan M. Horan, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, is prosecuting the case.
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