A transgender arrestee was sentenced after pleading guilty to an assassination plot against Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
Ryan Michael English, who reportedly identifies as a woman, was ordered to spend 73 months behind bars, according to Fox News.
Look:
BREAKING: Transgender woman convicted of crimes tied to attempted assassination of Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is sentenced to 73 months
— Fox News (@FoxNews) August 18, 2026
He pleaded guilty on March 26 to unlawful receipt, possession, or transfer of a firearm and carrying a firearm, dangerous weapon, explosive or incendiary device on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol.
U.S. District Judge Rudolf Contreras, an Obama appointee, noted that English was concerned about “trans rights” and brought weapons such as a lighter, knife and two Molotov cocktails “which probably would not have ignited” with him to the Capitol.
“Contreras said English is a 26-year-old trans woman who has many physical and mental health issues which were exacerbated by drug usage,” the judge added.
“I love my country, I love my family, and I live my life; I never wanted to hurt anyone. At times I can’t explain the mental state that I’m in,” English told the judge, appearing to confirm the mental health issues claim. “I’m sorry for the fear I caused the country and my family. I have a lot on my plate with an upcoming surgery. I want a chance to work and start a family of my own. I’m grateful for the opportunity to get sober and get right in my mind.”
Despite prosecutors angling for a 10-year sentence, the judge thought something much lighter would be more appropriate.
“No one was harmed. The plan was basically impossible to succeed, and she turned herself in before it came anywhere near fruition,” he said.
English will receive credit for the 20 months he’s already been locked up, and will also serve three years of probation following his release.
“You’ve had a very difficult life with a lot of challenges. You’re young, you still have a significant portion of your life. Good luck to you,” Contreras told the defendant.
The judge is also passing along the recommendation that English be housed in a women’s prison to affirm his chosen identity.
X users reacted:
An attempted assassination should be treated like a real assassination. Why is the number of jail time to small for the attempted assassination on our great Secretary of treasury
— Big T independent opinion (@t_independ77052) August 19, 2026
73 months?
She packed firebombs and a knife to kill a Cabinet secretary… then just walked up and turned herself in. Six years feels soft for that.
— Leon Crypto (@Leon_Crypto_) August 19, 2026
So Scott Bessent is Gay – it was a trans person to attempt this? Tells you how mentally unstable trans are. There needs to be research done on hormone treatments & brain chemicals on someone who is mentally unstable!
AND All he got was 73 months – seriously?— S Slater (@Slater749448S) August 18, 2026
Can we just call them mentally disturbed men, please?
— Your Mom (@AFKHuckleBerry) August 18, 2026
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Sierra Marlee is a millennial whose hunger for the truth in a world of fake news has led her to write. Marlee also contributes to BizPac Review.
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