Man With Molotov Cocktail Arrested At Cathedral Before Red Mass, Police

WASHINGTON, DC — A New Jersey man was arrested Sunday morning after Metropolitan Police said he was found at St. Matthew’s Cathedral in Washington, D.C., where the Red Mass was set to be celebrated for the U.S. Supreme Court.

The suspect — identified as 41-year-old Louis Geri of Vineland, New Jersey —set up a tent on the steps of the cathedral, 1725 Rhode Island Ave. NW.

Officers determined Geri was previously barred from the cathedral and its grounds. When he refused to leave, he was placed under arrest without incident, a police new release said.

The church was set to host political and legal leaders hours later that morning for the annual Red Mass, a service held at the beginning of the Supreme Court’s judicial year which often draws dignitaries, historically including Supreme Court justices, FOX DC reported.

Officers saw suspicious items, including vials of liquid and possible fireworks, inside Geri's tent, police said. Members of MPD’s Explosive Ordinance Disposal team and the Arson Task Force responded to search the suspect’s belongings.

The front entrance of the cathedral and the 1700 block of Rhode Island Avenue, Northwest, were closed as the scene was processed.

Geri was charged with unlawful entry, threats to kidnap or injure a person, and possession of a molotov cocktail.

The investigation continues in collaboration with the Joint Terrorism Task Force, FBI’s Washington Field Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Police asked the public to report immediate threats or emergencies by calling 911, or report suspicious activity by calling 202-727-9099, texting 50411, or visiting iwatchdc.org.