Newsweek: Man Arrested at US Capitol Targeted Mike Johnson, Pete Hegseth

[Dennis Donovan]

Newsweek - Man Arrested at US Capitol Targeted Mike Johnson, Pete Hegseth

Published Jan 28, 2025 at 1:54 PM EST
Updated Jan 28, 2025 at 3:38 PM EST

A man arrested Monday after allegedly bringing Molotov cocktails to the U.S. Capitol told police he was targeting House Speaker Mike Johnson, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, federal prosecutors said in court filings.

U.S. Capitol Police told Newsweek on Tuesday that Ryan English, 24, of Rhode Island turned himself in to authorities a day earlier, admitting he was carrying knives and two Molotov cocktails fashioned out of 50-milliliter Absolut Vodka bottles stuffed with cloths doused in hand sanitizer. Officials told Newsweek the case is currently with the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Why This Matters
English told authorities that he left his Massachusetts home on Sunday intending to target Johnson and Hegseth, whom he referred to as a "Nazi."

On his way to the Capitol, English learned via Reddit that Bessent's confirmation vote was scheduled for Monday. As a result, English altered his target to the hedge fund billionaire, planning to throw the lit Molotov cocktails at Bessent's feet and, if he could get close enough, stab the newly confirmed secretary.

/snip

[ProfessorGAC]

1. Filled With Vodka?

There is something wrong with that guy?
40% alcohol isn't much of a Molotov cocktail.
And, the wicks were already primed, and likely dried out.
Not the sharpest knife in the drawer.

[Igel]

3. Filled with "with cloths doused in hand sanitizer".

The bottles formerly contained what must have been the young dolt's courage, Absolut Vodka.

That's a bit better, 60%+ alcohol.

What's weird is trying to improve on the classic bottle contents, gasoline.

Then again, perhaps he was trying to avoid fossil fuels.

[ProfessorGAC]

4. When Ethanol Burns...

...we still get CO2. So, his "green" sensibilities were misplaced.

[Mz Pip]

2. No

It was just a peaceful little walk through the Capitol with afternoon cocktails in hand.

[JustAnotherGen]

5. Agree

Every day tourist.

[harumph]

6. 50 ml (???)

That's a tiny cocktail.

[valleyrogue]

7. This is a preview of coming attractions. n/t