A Massachusetts resident's failed attempt to target high-ranking government officials has resulted in serious criminal charges that could lead to significant prison time.
According to Just The News, Ryan English has been charged with attempting to assassinate Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent after bringing Molotov cocktails to the Capitol grounds in January.
English voluntarily surrendered to Capitol Police and admitted to carrying two improvised incendiary devices made from Absolut Vodka bottles. The explosives were crafted using cloth soaked in hand sanitizer. He also had several knives in his possession when he turned himself in.
Initially, English had planned to target either House Speaker Mike Johnson or Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. His focus shifted to Treasury Secretary Bessent upon learning of the latter's recent confirmation during his visit to Washington, D.C.
When English surrendered on January 27, law enforcement discovered a note in his possession that revealed his state of mind. The message suggested he felt compelled to take action against what he perceived as threats to his community.
The suspect's candid admission to law enforcement included detailed information about his weapons and intended targets, demonstrating a level of premeditation that could impact the severity of his charges.
The Department of Justice has filed multiple charges against English, including the unlawful possession of an incendiary device and carrying dangerous weapons on Capitol grounds.
English made his initial appearance before the U.S. District Court on Thursday, where it was determined he would remain in custody pending further proceedings. The decision reflects the serious nature of the charges and potential flight risk.
The suspect's voluntary surrender and immediate cooperation with law enforcement could potentially influence the legal proceedings, though the gravity of the attempted assassination charges remains paramount.
The incident has raised concerns about the security of high-ranking government officials and the effectiveness of Capitol security measures. The suspect's ability to bring weapons and explosive devices onto government property has prompted discussions about potential security improvements.
Law enforcement's swift response and the suspect's capture before any harm occurred demonstrate the effectiveness of existing security protocols. However, the incident highlights ongoing challenges in protecting government officials.
Ryan English, who now faces serious federal charges, attempted to assassinate Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent by bringing Molotov cocktails and knives to the Capitol grounds in January. The plot was thwarted when English turned himself in to the Capitol Police on January 27, revealing his initial plans to target either House Speaker Mike Johnson or Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth before switching to Bessent upon learning of his confirmation.
The suspect remains in police custody after his first court appearance on Thursday, where he faces charges of carrying dangerous weapons on Capitol grounds and unlawful possession of incendiary devices. The case underscores ongoing concerns about the security of high-ranking government officials and the effectiveness of current protective measures at federal buildings.
In a sudden turn of events at the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Acting Administrator Cameron Hamilton faced immediate dismissal following his stance against the proposed elimination of FEMA.
According to Fox News, Hamilton's removal came just one day after he testified before lawmakers, expressing his opposition to President Donald Trump's proposed plans to dismantle the federal agency.
The leadership change was confirmed by a FEMA spokesperson, who announced that David Richardson would take over as the Senior Official Performing the duties of the FEMA Administrator. Hamilton, a former Navy hospital corpsman who served with SEAL Team 8, had been leading the agency since January 2025.
During a January visit to North Carolina, President Trump unveiled his intentions to fundamentally reform or possibly eliminate FEMA. The visit, which took place more than 120 days after Hurricane Helene struck the state, provided Trump with a platform to criticize the agency's performance.
Trump's statement during the North Carolina visit clearly outlined his position on FEMA's future. As reported by Hamilton during his testimony, the proposed changes would significantly impact the agency's ability to serve the American people.
Deputy Homeland Security Secretary Troy Edgar and Trump advisor Corey Lewandowski delivered the news of Hamilton's dismissal during a meeting at Homeland Security headquarters on Thursday morning.
During his appearance before the House Committee on Appropriations on Wednesday, Hamilton made his position clear regarding the proposed elimination of FEMA. His testimony directly contradicted the administration's stance.
Hamilton's testimony highlighted the critical role FEMA plays in disaster response and emergency management across the United States. The former acting administrator emphasized the potential risks of dismantling the agency.
Both Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and President Trump have expressed support for the elimination of FEMA, setting up a clear conflict with Hamilton's position.
Trump's commitment to reforming FEMA became evident during his North Carolina visit, where he announced plans to sign an executive order initiating the process. The president's criticism of the agency's performance has been consistent throughout his administration.
The proposed changes to FEMA align with broader administrative reforms being implemented across various federal agencies. These modifications reflect the administration's approach to restructuring government organizations.
The timing of Hamilton's dismissal, occurring immediately after his congressional testimony, has drawn attention to the administration's swift response to dissenting voices within federal agencies.
Cameron Hamilton's departure from FEMA marks a significant shift in the agency's leadership amid ongoing discussions about its future. The former acting administrator's removal after serving since January 2025 highlights the tensions between agency officials and administration policies. David Richardson now faces the challenge of leading FEMA during a period of potential restructuring and uncertainty. The agency continues to manage disaster response efforts while awaiting further details about the administration's reform plans.
A crucial vote on legislation aimed at regulating payment stablecoins faces a setback as Senate Democrats withdraw their support.
According to The Hill, the GENIUS Act failed to secure the necessary 60 votes to advance, with a final tally of 48-49 against ending debate on the motion to proceed.
The defeat comes after several Democratic senators retracted their backing over the weekend, citing concerns about insufficient provisions for anti-money laundering and national security measures. Senate Republicans' attempt to expedite the voting process drew criticism from their Democratic colleagues, who argued they needed more time to review the updated bill text and continue negotiations.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune strategically changed his vote from yes to no, preserving the option to reintroduce the measure later. The procedural maneuver highlighted the growing tension between the two parties over the bill's timeline. Republicans expressed frustration with their Democratic counterparts, maintaining that months of work and feedback had already been incorporated into the legislation.
Sen. Ruben Gallego, speaking before the vote, emphasized the need for additional time to refine the legislation. His request for a unanimous consent to postpone the vote until Monday was denied.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent criticized the Senate's decision, warning that the United States risks losing its competitive edge in financial innovation to other countries.
The failed vote coincides with President Trump's expanding presence in the cryptocurrency sector. His family's venture, World Liberty Financial, recently announced a $2 billion transaction involving their stablecoin, connecting Emirati firm MGX with crypto exchange Binance.
Democratic lawmakers, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren, have voiced strong opposition to the deal, suggesting it could compromise U.S. government interests. The transaction has intensified scrutiny of the GENIUS Act and its potential implications.
The controversy has sparked broader political ramifications, leading to Democratic representatives walking out of a House hearing on market structure legislation.
The GENIUS Act had previously gained bipartisan support, securing approval from the Senate Banking Committee with five Democratic votes in March. Its House counterpart, the STABLE Act, also cleared the House Financial Services Committee last month.
Sen. Gallego stated:
We've made some great progress over this past week. I greatly, greatly appreciate the work that we've done in a bipartisan manner. The reason you're hearing some hesitancy, the legislation of this scope and importance really just cannot be rushed, and we need time both to educate our colleagues and people.
Sen. Thune responded to Democratic resistance:
If Democrats were interested in further changes as they claim, they would have had the chance to make those changes on the floor. All they had to do was vote for cloture. Not every bill that comes to the floor is a final bill. Now, that might be how it worked when they were in control, but Republicans are doing it differently.
The GENIUS Act, designed to establish a regulatory framework for payment stablecoins, failed to advance in the Senate after Democrats withdrew their support over concerns about anti-money laundering provisions and national security measures. The legislation's defeat comes amid growing scrutiny of President Trump's cryptocurrency ventures, particularly the recent $2 billion transaction involving his family's stablecoin through World Liberty Financial. The path forward for crypto regulation now faces significant challenges as lawmakers grapple with balancing innovation and security concerns in the digital asset space.
Nicole Shanahan raises serious questions about Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s decision-making process following President Trump's nomination of wellness influencer Casey Means as surgeon general.
According to The Hill, Shanahan, who was Kennedy's 2024 running mate, expressed concerns about the appointment, revealing she had received assurances that neither Casey Means nor her brother Calley would receive positions within HHS or any other appointments in exchange for her support of Kennedy's confirmation.
The nomination has sparked controversy within Kennedy's inner circle, with Shanahan suggesting that someone other than Trump is controlling Kennedy's decisions. Her public statements on social platform X directly challenge the credibility of Kennedy's leadership at HHS and raise questions about external influences on his decision-making process.
Kennedy has publicly embraced Trump's decision, praising Means as an ideal candidate for the position. He emphasized her potential to challenge established medical practices and guide the country toward better healthcare outcomes.
The HHS Secretary took to social media platform X to express his enthusiasm for the appointment, describing Means as someone "born to hold this job." His endorsement focused on her potential to provide ethical guidance and challenge medical orthodoxies.
Trump's decision to nominate Means came after withdrawing the nomination of Janette Nesheiwat, whose credentials were questioned following discrepancies in her educational background.
Shanahan shared her perspective on X, directly responding to concerns about Means' limited clinical experience. Her statements suggest a deeper rift within the administration's health leadership.
The former running mate's comments paint a troubling picture of Kennedy's autonomy in decision-making. She explicitly questioned whether Kennedy had lied to her or was being influenced by external forces.
In particularly sharp criticism, Shanahan described the Means siblings as "artificial and aggressive," even suggesting they appeared to be "bred and raised Manchurian assets."
President Trump announced his decision on Truth Social, highlighting Means' credentials and her alignment with the "Make America Healthy Again" agenda. He expressed confidence in her ability to work effectively with Kennedy.
In his announcement, Trump praised Means' academic achievements and professional background. The president emphasized her potential to become one of the most accomplished surgeon generals in U.S. history.
Means brings a unique perspective to the role as co-founder of Levels, a health technology company specializing in continuous glucose monitoring systems.
The unexpected nomination of Casey Means as surgeon general nominee has created visible tension between key figures in the administration's healthcare leadership. The controversy centers on Kennedy's support for the Means appointment, despite previous assurances to his former running mate Shanahan. The situation highlights potential conflicts within the HHS department and raises questions about decision-making processes in Trump's healthcare administration. As the nomination moves forward, the focus remains on Means' qualifications and her ability to implement the administration's healthcare agenda while working alongside Kennedy.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy reveals an ambitious initiative to transform America's aging air traffic control infrastructure.
According to the New York Post, the comprehensive overhaul plan, projected to cost tens of billions of dollars, aims to replace outdated facilities and equipment by 2028, following numerous system failures and a tragic aviation disaster.
The modernization project comes in response to approximately 1,000 weekly telecommunication outages and a devastating mid-air collision at Reagan National Airport that claimed 67 lives in January. The urgency of the upgrade became more apparent after a recent 90-second blackout at Newark Liberty International Airport, caused by deteriorating copper wiring, led to flight disruptions and staff trauma leave.
Duffy's plan includes replacing six antiquated air traffic control centers with state-of-the-art facilities. The transformation involves upgrading 4,600 locations with modern fiber-optic, wireless, and satellite technology, replacing the current copper wire infrastructure that dates back to the 1960s.
The initiative also encompasses the replacement of 25,000 outdated radios and more than 600 radar installations, many of which have been in service since the 1970s. This technological leap would be comparable to upgrading from a flip phone to a smartphone, according to Duffy's analogy.
President Trump, during a phone call with Duffy during the presentation, expressed his support for consolidating the project under a single contract. He emphasized the importance of reliable service and acknowledged the families of January's mid-air collision victims.
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, under Republican leadership, has proposed a $12.5 billion budget for the system upgrade. The Trump administration has already requested an initial $4 billion allocation for the 2026 fiscal year.
Airlines for America CEO Nicholas Calio demonstrated the outdated technology still in use by displaying floppy disks and paper strips during the announcement. The trade association is advocating for an additional $18.5 billion in emergency supplemental funds over the next three years to expedite the modernization process.
Transportation Secretary Duffy called for upfront congressional appropriations to fund the entire project, emphasizing the need for swift implementation within three to four years.
The modernization plan includes provisions for emerging technologies such as electric air taxis, known as eVTOLs. These "Ubers in the air" will be integrated into a new flight management system, demonstrating the forward-thinking approach of the initiative.
Acting FAA Administrator Chris Rocheleau emphasized the critical timing of the upgrade, stating that the current system's problems require immediate attention. The comprehensive overhaul aims to prevent future communication blackouts and enhance overall aviation safety.
The plan represents a significant step toward modernizing facilities like air traffic control towers with updated hardware and software capabilities.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy's ambitious plan to modernize America's air traffic control system by 2028 represents a crucial response to the increasing failures of aging infrastructure. The multi-billion dollar initiative aims to replace outdated technology, including 1960s-era facilities and equipment, with modern fiber-optic, wireless, and satellite systems. With support from President Trump and industry leaders, the project seeks to prevent future aviation disasters and communication failures while preparing for next-generation aircraft technology.
A frightening medical emergency disrupted a routine Fox News broadcast, leaving viewers and the host stunned.
According to Daily Mail, Fox News contributor Camryn Kinsey collapsed live on air during Thursday's episode of Fox News @ Night while discussing ideological differences between President Trump and Joe Biden with host Jonathan Hunt.
The incident occurred when Kinsey, who previously served in the Trump administration, began stumbling over her words mid-sentence. Her eyes rolled back before she fell sideways, prompting immediate concern from viewers and the show's host. Hunt appeared visibly shocked by the sudden turn of events, nearly rising from his seat as a crew member rushed to Kinsey's aid.
The network quickly addressed the situation by cutting to a commercial break. Upon return, Hunt informed viewers that Kinsey was receiving medical attention. A Fox News spokeswoman later confirmed that paramedics were called to the scene, and Kinsey was "treated and cleared."
The incident sparked immediate reactions on social media, with many viewers expressing concern for Kinsey's well-being. Others criticized Hunt's initial response to the situation, questioning why he didn't immediately assist his guest.
Jeff Rainforth, a Gateway Pundit guest writer, voiced his disapproval of Hunt's reaction, stating that one's first instinct should be to help in such situations. However, some viewers defended Hunt's professional handling of the unexpected event.
Kinsey's journey to becoming a political commentator includes a notable stint in the Trump administration. The young professional currently runs Titan Media Strategies and previously served as a White House correspondent for One America News Network at just 20 years old.
Speaking about her remarkable career trajectory, Kinsey once shared:
Only in Trump's America could I go from working in a gym to working in the White House, because that's the American dream.
Prior to the incident, Kinsey appeared to be in good health, having posted about the new pope earlier in the day. The exact cause of her fainting spell remains unclear.
Following the incident, paramedics quickly arrived at the Fox News studio to assess Kinsey's condition. The network's swift action in handling the medical emergency earned praise from some viewers who commended their professional response.
The medical team's evaluation determined that Kinsey was stable, though specific details about what caused her to faint were not disclosed. The Fox News spokeswoman expressed relief about Kinsey's recovery, extending wishes for her continued improvement.
Social media reactions ranged from genuine concern to political commentary, reflecting the polarized nature of today's media landscape.
A Fox News contributor's live appearance took an unexpected turn when Camryn Kinsey fainted during Thursday's broadcast of Fox News @ Night. The incident occurred while she was discussing presidential politics with host Jonathan Hunt, prompting immediate medical attention and a brief programming interruption. Following evaluation by paramedics, Kinsey was cleared of any serious medical concerns, though the exact cause of her fainting spell remains undisclosed. The network confirmed her stable condition and expressed relief at her recovery.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem faces intense scrutiny from Senate Democrats over her refusal to allow an accused MS-13 gang member back into the United States.
According to Breitbart, Noem made her position clear during a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearing, declaring that Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a deported Salvadoran national with alleged ties to MS-13, will not be permitted to return to American soil under any circumstances.
The contentious case has sparked heated debates between DHS leadership and Democratic lawmakers who have been pushing for months to facilitate Abrego Garcia's return to the United States.
During the hearing, Noem engaged in a tense exchange with Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT), emphasizing the serious nature of the accusations against Abrego Garcia, which include domestic violence and involvement in human trafficking operations.
DHS Secretary Noem delivered her statement to Senator Murphy, saying:
Abrego Garcia is a citizen of El Salvador and should never have been in this country and will not be coming back to this country. There is no scenario where Abrego Garcia will be in the United States again. If he were to come back, we would immediately deport him again because he is a terrorist, a human smuggler, and he is a wife-beater.
Recent investigations have uncovered new evidence linking Abrego Garcia to an illegal alien smuggling operation. FBI agents received testimony from a convicted felon who claimed to have hired Abrego Garcia to transport undocumented immigrants within the United States. The revelation adds another layer of complexity to his already controversial case.
A 2022 traffic stop in Tennessee has emerged as crucial evidence in the ongoing investigation. Body camera footage released by DHS shows Tennessee Highway Patrol officers pulling over Abrego Garcia while he was driving a vehicle owned by the convicted felon with nine passengers who had no luggage.
The Department of Justice has initiated an investigation into Abrego Garcia's alleged involvement in human smuggling activities. The probe follows the release of evidence connecting him to a larger trafficking network operating across state lines.
Abrego Garcia's legal troubles extend beyond immigration violations. His wife has filed two separate domestic violence complaints against him in Maryland. These accusations, combined with his alleged MS-13 gang membership and human trafficking connections, have strengthened DHS's resolve to maintain his deportation status.
The case has highlighted the ongoing tension between immigration enforcement policies and attempts by some lawmakers to challenge deportation decisions. Secretary Noem's stance represents a significant departure from previous administration approaches to similar cases.
Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran citizen deported during the Trump administration, remains at the center of a heated immigration debate that has drawn attention from both sides of the political aisle.
His case involves multiple serious allegations, including MS-13 gang membership, domestic abuse charges, and participation in human trafficking operations.
As the Department of Justice continues its investigation into the human smuggling accusations, Secretary Noem's unequivocal position against his return suggests that this controversial case may have reached its definitive conclusion in terms of potential re-entry to the United States.