A Massachusetts resident is facing charges in connection with an assassination attempt at the U.S. Capitol in January.
On Jan. 27, a South Deerfield woman, Ryan Michael English, also known as Riley Jane English, was stopped at the Capitol with two homemade firebombs, a lighter and a folding knife.
English approached police at the Capitol and said she came there to kill billionaire investor Scott Bessent on the day that the Senate confirmed the South Carolina resident as President Donald Trump’s treasury secretary, according to a court filing.
English told officers that she was terminally ill and “wanted to do something before I go,” according to prosecutors. She also said she was influenced by Luigi Mangione, the man charged with fatally shooting the CEO of UnitedHealthcare.
On Thursday, English was charged with carrying a dangerous weapon or incendiary device on the grounds of the Capitol and unlawful possession of an incendiary device.
In a memo to the court, English’s defense attorney said English is a transgender woman who has faced ridicule, discrimination, abuse and scorn from family and friends because of her identity.
“Her parents essentially disowned her, indicating Ms. English could only live with them if she terminated her transition,” defense attorney Maria Jacob wrote.
English also suffered the loss of her fiancé to suicide on Nov. 5, election night, Jacob wrote.
“Since President Trump’s inauguration, Ms. English has been faced with a country and society who does not believe she should be recognized for who she is. She is forced to fear for her safety and ability to continue living as she is,” Jacob wrote.
Police also found a note to a family member in her pocket that said, “This is terrible but I cant do nothing while nazis kill my sisters … Im so sorry for lying and plotting and lying.”
Jim Kinney contributed to this reporting.
