Police arrested a man after they found explosive materials near a Washington, D.C., church. Louis Geri, 41, from Vineland, New Jersey, faces charges of possessing a destructive device. Officers detained him outside St. Matthew’s Cathedral, where people were preparing for the annual Red Mass. This Mass marks the beginning of the U.S. Supreme Court’s term, although no justices attended this year.
The arrest occurred on a Sunday morning while officers were clearing the area near the church. They saw Geri setting up a tent on the steps leading into the cathedral. He had been previously banned from the property. When police asked him to move the tent, Geri refused. As a result, officers arrested him.
As police approached, Geri allegedly told them, “You might want to stay back and call the federales.” They found him holding a butane lighter and carrying a bag with vials of a yellow liquid. Investigators later discovered materials inside the tent that appeared to be components for constructing a destructive device.
Court documents show that Geri described the devices as grenades. He said he used nitromethane and rubber bands to secure the fuses. Authorities also found papers in his possession expressing hostility toward the Roman Catholic Church, Jewish people, and various U.S. government agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
This arrest has raised serious concerns about security, particularly because of the church’s prominence. St. Matthew’s Cathedral regularly hosts important figures, including U.S. Supreme Court justices. Although no justices attended the Red Mass this year, the discovery of explosive materials found near such an event has prompted discussions about safety.
Geri’s defense attorney, from the Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia, will represent him at a court hearing scheduled for Thursday. For now, Geri remains in custody without bond.
The discovery of explosive materials found near a major public event has highlighted the need for improved security measures in Washington, D.C. Experts point out that the materials underscore the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in protecting high-profile locations. Investigators are continuing to explore whether Geri acted alone or received help in assembling the devices.
As the investigation continues, this arrest will likely lead to more discussions on security at major government and public sites. Authorities will monitor potential threats, especially during times of heightened public attention.
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