Amid an increase in threats against U.S. officials, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent highlighted his own experience as a victim of political violence. Shortly after taking office, Bessent survived an assassination attempt by Ryan Michael English, who was caught carrying weapons to the U.S. Capitol.
“I’m going to remind everyone in this room—and all the media—that I was the subject of an assassination attempt by an addled left-wing activist two hours after being sworn into my job,” Bessent stated during the State Department’s Ministerial on the Resurgence of Political Terrorism. English, a Massachusetts native, pleaded guilty to federal charges and will be sentenced in August.
The Treasury Department, under Trump’s directive, aims to identify charities and nonprofit organizations financing political terrorism. Bessent explained, “Violence requires money, channels through which funding can move, and institutions behind which it can hide.” They are investigating possible misuse of tax-exempt organizations as financial conduits for foreign influence.
Assassination Plot Against Bessent
Federal prosecutors reported that English traveled to the Capitol with Molotov cocktails and a knife, aiming to kill Bessent or another federal target. English approached Capitol Police to turn himself in, admitting his intention. Police recovered a note lamenting, “This is terrible but I can’t do nothing while nazis kill my sisters.” English faces sentencing on August 14.
Rising Political Violence in the U.S.
Research indicates a rise in threats against public officials since 2020. The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace found that nearly 90% of surveyed state legislators faced threats. Judges and members of Congress report similar experiences. For instance, threats against federal judges rose to 564 last year, up from 509.
Local politicians like Michigan State Representative Laurie Pohutsky and Minnesota State Senator Erin Maye Quade also face threats. Pohutsky said, “It seems untenable that my family could also be harmed now.” Quade recounted the fear of being targeted at home.
The Carnegie Endowment notes that young Americans are more accepting of political violence, seeing no alternative to a system they view as broken. Factors include political polarization, distrust in institutions, and misinformation.
Attacks on President Trump
During the 2024 presidential campaign, Trump survived two assassination attempts. In Butler, Pennsylvania, he was shot but survived, while one attendee died. Later, another suspect was arrested for an attempted attack in Florida. These incidents raised concerns about security for presidential candidates.
Targeting of Judiciary and Families
Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett faced a swatting incident, revealing the heightened security risks for judges. Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg experienced a false CPS report that involved his family, highlighting threats extending to officials’ families.
Violence Against Minnesota Lawmakers
In Minnesota, Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed, with John Hoffman and his wife wounded. The shootings were politically motivated, carried out by Vance Luther Boelter, who pleaded guilty to related charges.
Other Notable Threats
Past attacks include the hammer assault on Paul Pelosi and a plot against Justice Brett Kavanaugh. Election officials have faced growing threats since 2020, leading to the DOJ’s Election Threats Task Force.