“Unlikely Inspiration: Trans Woman’s Plot Unveiled”
A report has emerged regarding a Massachusetts woman who allegedly confessed to authorities that she had ventured to the US Capitol with the intent to harm members of President Trump’s cabinet. According to prosecutors, this individual, identified as Ryan Michael English – who also goes by the name Riley English – cited Luigi Mangione as a significant influence in her actions. Mangione is currently facing charges related to the fatal shooting of the CEO of UnitedHealthcare.
Following her arrest on Monday, English remained in custody after her initial court appearance on Thursday. Court records indicate that she did not immediately contest her pretrial detention. The 24-year-old resident of South Deerfield, Massachusetts, reportedly expressed to law enforcement officials that she felt as though she was on a mission, attributing her motivations to thoughts inspired by Luigi Mangione’s case.
English disclosed to authorities that she had been contemplating her actions for some time, drawing a parallel to Mangione’s situation. Despite initially dismissing the idea as pointless and driven by a desire for fleeting vengeance, English ultimately found herself acting upon these thoughts. She was apprehended on weapons charges after approaching police officers at the Capitol and declaring her intent to target billionaire investor Scott Bessent, particularly on the day of his confirmation as Trump’s Treasury secretary.
During the investigation, law enforcement officers discovered a folding knife, two improvised firebombs, and a lighter in English’s possession. Moreover, she revealed her plans to travel from Massachusetts to Washington, DC, with intentions to harm other prominent Republican political figures, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), as well as to set fire to the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank.
English’s focus shifted to Scott Bessent after coming across information online related to his confirmation hearing. She asserted to officers that she was terminally ill and expressed a desire to take action before her time was up. Prosecutors highlighted that the nature of her actions was deemed premeditated and calculated, rather than a mere lapse in judgment.
In response to the allegations, English’s defense attorney, Maria Jacob, argued that her client had visited the Capitol as a plea for assistance and had no intention of causing harm. Jacob emphasized that English did not exhibit aggression during her interaction with Capitol Police Officers, nor did she wield any of the items found on her as weapons. Additionally, she cooperated with law enforcement in promptly surrendering the items in question.
