A Massachusetts man arrested last week for allegedly plotting to assassinate Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent identifies as a transgender woman, according to federal court filings.

The suspect, 24-year-old Ryan Michael English, a biological male, goes by the name “Riley Jane,” attorneys revealed Wednesday.

English’s court-appointed public defenders referred to their client as “Ms. English” in a motion requesting release from pre-trial detention.

This is insane. Last week, a would-be assassin drove to DC to kill Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who is also a gay man, and has made history as the highest ranking gay official in our history. It has now been reported that the suspect is a trans identified male.

I can barely… pic.twitter.com/GwkRss4HxG

— Jaimee Michell (@thegaywhostrayd) February 1, 2025

Dennis Quaid’s #1 Warning for Americans

In a 13-page motion, English’s attorneys argued for their client’s release, stating that English 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,” the motion read.

“Ms. English also suffered the tragic loss of her fiancé to suicide on November 5, 2025. 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.”

The defense further insisted that English is “not a violent person” and does not pose a danger to the community.

“While the allegations demonstrate someone who has used poor judgment in effectuating a protest, there is no indication that she poses a danger,” English’s counsel argued.

Federal prosecutors acknowledged English’s transgender identity in court documents and used English’s preferred pronouns in their memorandum.

Charging documents allege that English “took significant steps to kill multiple members of the new presidential administration.”

According to the affidavit, English traveled to Washington, D.C., on January 27 with the intent to assassinate Secretary of Defense Peter Hegseth, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, “and/or” burn down The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank.

English allegedly told authorities, “I was gonna hurt big players. I really had such faith—that I was expecting to bump into someone who I would recognize and go for it. I was thinking: Trump’s in LA right now for the fires, maybe I’ll catch him on the way back, ram my car into him, and just drive my knife into him and then just die in the process.”

Before arriving in Washington, English stopped at a library in Chevy Chase, Maryland, and learned that Bessent had just been confirmed as Treasury Secretary.

English allegedly shifted focus and decided to target Bessent instead.

At first, English allegedly planned to use Molotov cocktails made from vodka bottles wrapped in alcohol-soaked rags to attack Bessent.

If an opportunity arose, English considered stabbing Bessent to death.

According to court documents, English believed it would be necessary to kill at least three U.S. Capitol Police officers to reach Bessent.

However, upon arriving at the Capitol, English ultimately turned himself in.

English approached an officer near the south entrance and stated, “I’d like to turn myself in,” admitting to carrying weapons, including two makeshift Molotov cocktails, a lighter, and a folding knife.

Authorities later searched English’s car and found additional bomb-making materials, as well as larger bottles of vodka that English had initially intended to use but left behind because they “looked dumb in my jacket.”

During interrogation, English pointed to the phrase “NO FUTURE, NO CHOICE” handwritten on his forearm as an explanation for his actions.

English claimed to have a congenital heart defect and believed he only had four months to live.

Due to this supposed terminal condition, English stated he wanted to “do something before I go” and was prepared to commit suicide by cop.

Investigators also recovered a note written on the back of a receipt, which read:

“Judith 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. Please stay alive and heal. you can. you are strong enough. Fck them for pushing us so far. you dont deserve this. Im so sorry for lying and plotting and lying. Please survive [7 hand-drawn hearts].”*

English also reportedly referenced Luigi Mangione, who is charged with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, and stated that his actions were inspired by that case.

“I felt like I had to do this. I felt like I was on a mission […] Maybe I told myself to have faith and just see where this goes and I had been thinking about for this for a while because of Luigi Mangione,” English allegedly told investigators.

English is facing federal charges of:

• Carrying a firearm, dangerous weapon, explosive, or incendiary device on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol.
• Unlawful receipt, possession, and/or transfer of a firearm.

During a status hearing on Thursday, English conceded to detention.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 1 before Magistrate Judge Matthew J. Sharbaugh.

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