A man was arrested outside the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle in Washington, D.C., just hours before it was set to host the annual Red Mass, a service traditionally attended by U.S. Supreme Court justices. Authorities reported that 41-year-old Louis Geri of New Jersey was taken into custody on Sunday after refusing to leave the cathedral grounds, where he had set up a tent despite being previously barred from the premises.
According to a statement from the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department, officers discovered “multiple suspicious items, including vials of liquid and possible fireworks, inside of the suspect’s tent.” Further investigation revealed approximately 200 explosive devices, including Molotov cocktails and bottle rockets.
“Members of MPD’s Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) team and the Arson Task Force responded to the scene to search the suspect’s belongings. The scene has been secured and there is no threat to public safety,” the department stated. Geri was charged with possession of a Molotov cocktail, making threats, and unlawful entry. A judge ordered him held without bond.
