The FBI is accusing a former political challenger to U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan of trying to buy a lethal dose of a radioactive substance on the internet to try to kill someone.
Thirty-year-old Jeremy Ryan is charged with attempted possession of radioactive material with intent to cause death.
According to a sworn statement by FBI Special Agent Scott Mahloch, Ryan tried to buy the substance from an undercover agent online in March and October. His target was a 6 ft., 220 pound man to whom Ryan said he had “good access.”
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The affidavit details how Ryan communicated with a covert agent for several months, using the username “tigolebitties.” It says Ryan inquired about and ultimately ordered a lethal radioactive substance.
He specified that he was not looking for something that would cause his victim an “extremely brutal and drawn out” death. Instead, he “wanted it to look like they (the victim) may have died from either cancer or cancer treatment if possible.” The “main quality” he was seeking in a poison, he said, “is that it is extremely difficult to procure so that people automatically suspect the government.”
Ryan was arrested Tuesday in Black Earth and faces complaints of terrorism. If convicted, he would face a maximum life sentence, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Wisconsin.
Ryan had an initial appearance at the U.S. District Court in Madison on Thursday morning. He will return on Monday.
Ryan ran unsuccessfully for Ryan’s seat in the 1st Congressional District in 2012. He also ran in the district’s Republican primary in 2018.
Appearing on WPR’s “Central Time” during the program’s series of candidate interviews, Ryan said “I’m the type of person that can reach across the aisle and, when needed, tick off both sides of the aisle. I’ve always been very aggressive and I always will be, but that’s what we need right now.”
He also told the interviewer that he has metastatic brain cancer and a congenital heart condition.
Ryan was often seen navigating the state Capitol on a Segway scooter during the 2011 protests against Gov. Scott Walker’s legislation curtailing collective bargaining rights for public workers.
The FBI declined to comment because the case is ongoing.
Editor’s note: This story was updated at 2:45 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 25, with original reporting by WPR staff.
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