Reported by 1 source

The short version

  • Riley English received a six-year prison sentence for attempting to kill Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent with homemade firebombs at the US Capitol.
  • The defense argued that English acted during a severe mental health crisis and under the influence of drugs, while prosecutors emphasized the premeditated nature of the plot.
  • Judge Rudolph Contreras noted the low probability of success due to defective devices and Bessent's absence, but highlighted the seriousness of targeting a high-ranking official.

A federal judge in Washington has sentenced Riley English to six years and one month in prison for her role in a plot to assassinate US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. The sentencing, delivered on Tuesday, concludes a case that began when English arrived at the US Capitol in January 2025 carrying homemade incendiary devices. She had told authorities she intended to kill Bessent on the day of his Senate confirmation hearing. Although prosecutors sought a longer term of ten years and one month, Judge Rudolph Contreras opted for a shorter sentence, citing specific circumstances surrounding the attempt.

English, a 26-year-old transgender woman from Massachusetts, pleaded guilty to charges related to the incident. During the proceedings, she stated that she did not wish to harm anyone and denied being a political or violent person. She attributed her actions to a severe mental health crisis and drug abuse at the time of the offense. Contreras acknowledged the difficulties English has faced in her life, suggesting that progress made during her incarceration might help set her on a better path. She will receive credit for nearly twenty months already served.

News Journal

The incident occurred on January 27, 2025, when English drove from South Deerfield, Massachusetts, to Washington. Upon arrival at the Capitol, she surrendered to police and disclosed her intentions. Investigators recovered a folding knife, two homemade firebombs, and a lighter from her possession. Contreras observed that the molotov cocktails appeared incapable of igniting, which significantly reduced the likelihood of success. Furthermore, Bessent was not present at the Capitol when English arrived, meaning the target was not in immediate danger.

Despite the low probability of physical harm, prosecutors emphasized the gravity of the attempt. Assistant US Attorney Brendan Horan described the act as a planned political assassination rather than an impulsive encounter. He noted that English had been preparing for at least a month during a period of rising threats against public figures in the United States. The government argued that the premeditation and the targeting of a high-ranking cabinet member warranted a substantial prison term to reflect the seriousness of the offense.

Defense attorney Maria Jacob presented a different narrative, characterizing English’s actions as a cry for help driven by fear and trauma. Jacob argued that English was terrified about the potential impact of the second Trump administration on transgender individuals. She contended that English was in a diminished mental state and not acting rationally at the time of the incident. The defense sought to frame the event as a result of personal distress rather than ideological motivation.

According to police reports, English cited Luigi Mangione, who was charged with killing the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, as an influence on her mindset. She reportedly told officers she felt compelled to act before dying from a terminal illness. Initially, her targets included other Republican figures such as Pete Hegseth and Mike Johnson, as well as the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank. However, she shifted her focus to Bessent after seeing an online post regarding his confirmation hearing.

Contreras balanced these competing accounts in his ruling. He recognized that English’s plan had an exceedingly low chance of success due to technical failures and timing issues. Nevertheless, the attempt to assassinate a sitting cabinet member remains a serious federal crime. The judge’s decision reflects a consideration of both the severity of the intent and the mitigating factors related to English’s mental state and the ineffectiveness of the weapons used.

English will serve her sentence followed by three years of supervised release. The case underscores the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement and judicial systems in addressing threats against political figures, particularly when mental health issues intersect with violent intentions. As English begins her incarceration, the focus shifts to rehabilitation and monitoring during her supervised release period.

The sentencing comes amid broader concerns about political violence in the United States. While no one was injured in this incident, the attempt highlights the vulnerabilities of public officials and the complex motivations behind such acts. Legal experts note that cases involving mental health defenses often result in varied outcomes depending on the specific circumstances and evidence presented.

This conclusion marks the end of a legal process that began with English’s arrest at the Capitol. The details of her case, including her statements about terminal illness and influence from other high-profile crimes, provide insight into the personal factors that can drive individuals to extreme actions. The judicial response aims to balance accountability with compassion for those struggling with severe mental health challenges.

Sources behind this briefing

Go to the original reporting