A New Jersey man was arrested early Sunday, Oct. 5, on the steps of St. Matthew’s Cathedral in Northwest Washington, DC, hours before the city’s annual Red Mass, after police say they discovered he had suspicious items and potential explosives.
As first reported by 4News Washington, officers of the Metropolitan Police Department assigned to provide security at the cathedral confronted the man, identified as 41-year-old Louis Geri of Vineland, NJ, at around 6 a.m. after he refused to leave the property. Geri was reportedly attempting to set up a tent on the cathedral steps. He had previously been barred from the site.
According to CBS News, Geri was arrested and charged with unlawful entry, threats to kidnap or injure a person, and possession of a Molotov cocktail. His motive for being at the church steps was not immediately clear.
The Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit and Arson Task Force were called in to secure and remove the materials. No injuries were reported, and the surrounding area was closed for several hours while authorities processed the scene.
The FBI, ATF, and Joint Terrorism Task Force are assisting with the investigation.
The incident unfolded just before the start of the Red Mass, an event marking the opening of the Supreme Court’s judicial year. The Mass, celebrated annually since 1953 by the Archdiocese of Washington and the John Carroll Society at St. Matthew’s, gathers judges, attorneys, lawmakers, and government officials to pray for guidance in the pursuit of justice.
The tradition traces its roots to 13th-century Europe, when clergy wore red vestments symbolizing the Holy Spirit’s gifts of wisdom and courage.
Though the Mass has long been attended by members of the high court and Cabinet officials, organizers said no Supreme Court justices were present this year.
Authorities said there was no ongoing threat to the public, and the Mass proceeded after the scene was cleared.
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