While speaking at the State Department’s Ministerial on the Resurgence of Political Terrorism on Thursday, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent shared in-depth details for the first time on the assassination attempt that targeted him shortly after he was sworn in last year.
“I’m going to remind everyone in this room — and all the media — that I was the subject of an assassination attempt by an addled left-wing activist two hours after being sworn into my job. Any of you who want to report that this is a fiction and does not exist, be there for the sentencing this August,” the secretary told attendees.
Bessent made the comments discussing violent political extremism and the administration’s efforts to address financing of such activities. Bessent noted that violence requires money, channels for funding, and institutions that can conceal it.
He further noted that the Treasury Department, at President Trump’s direction, is expanding work to identify charities and nonprofits that may be used for illicit finance linked to political terrorism. This includes reviewing tax-exempt organizations potentially involved in foreign influence or political violence, using tools such as the Office of Foreign Assets Control and the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network.
.@SecScottBessent at the Ministerial on the Resurgence of Political Terrorism: I’m going to remind everyone in this room—and all the media—that I was the subject of an assassination attempt by an addled left-wing activist two hours after being sworn into my job. So any of you who… pic.twitter.com/Al22rNL2JL
— Treasury Department (@USTreasury) July 16, 2026
The incident Bessent referenced occurred on January 27, 2025, the day of his Senate confirmation. According to a U.S. Department of Justice press release and court documents, Ryan Michael English, 24, of South Deerfield, Massachusetts (who also goes by Riley Jane English), approached a U.S. Capitol Police officer near the South Door of the Capitol Building at approximately 3:12 p.m. and stated, “I’d like to turn myself in.”
Officers recovered a folding knife, two improvised incendiary devices made from 50-milliliter vodka bottles with gray cloth wicks soaked in hand sanitizer, and a green lighter from English’s possession. English told officers he had traveled to Washington, D.C., intending to kill a government official or burn down a think tank.
He initially planned to target then-Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth and House Speaker Mike Johnson, as well as burn down the Heritage Foundation. Court records indicate he changed his primary target to Bessent after stopping at a library in Chevy Chase, Maryland, where he saw reports about Bessent’s confirmation hearing.
English confessed to officers that he was at the Capitol to kill Bessent, whose confirmation vote was scheduled that day. He stated he would have thrown the incendiary devices at Bessent’s feet or stabbed him with the knife if able to get close. He also expressed concern that he might need to kill officers to reach his target and that he could be killed during any attempt.
“Dear god I am so sorry. You must understand I can feel myself dying slowly b/c of my heart. This is terrible but I cant do nothing while nazis kill my sisters. I love you. This is awful. Im so sorry. I love u,” a note found in English’s pocket read in part.
English had additional materials for making incendiary devices in his vehicle. He was charged with unlawful receipt, possession, and/or transfer of a firearm and carrying a firearm, dangerous weapon, explosive, or incendiary device on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol.On March 26, 2026, English pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Rudolph Contreras to both counts.
Sentencing is scheduled for August 14 at 10 a.m. Eastern Time.
