Man Who Brought Gas, Lighters Into St. Patrick's Charged, DA Says

NEW YORK, NY — A man who carried gas canisters, lighter fluid and lighters into St. Patrick's cathedral will face attempted arson charges, the Manhattan District Attorney's office announced Wednesday.

New Jersey Man Marc Lamparello, 37, was arraigned on charges of second-degree attempted arson and second-degree reckless endangerment from bringing the flammable materials into the Fifth Avenue cathedral on the night of April 17, a spokesperson for the district attorney said.

Lamparello entered the cathedral around 7:55 p.m., NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Intelligence and Counterterrorism John Miller said during a press briefing on the night of the 17th. The man pulled up to the cathedral in a minivan and walked around the area before returning to the car and entering the cathedral, Miler said.

Lamparello allegedly told police, "My vehicle ran out of gas. I was taking a shortcut through the church," according to a criminal complaint. Police later found out that Lamparello's vehicle was not out of gas.

The New Jersey man was first stopped by security guards at the cathedral who told the man he couldn't bring the flammable materials inside the building. Security guards told police that they noticed gasoline splash out of one of the canisters and onto the cathedral floor and smelled a strong odor of gasoline on Lamparello.

A judge ordered Lamparello to undergo a psychiatric evaluation Wednesday to determine whether the man is mentally fit to stand trial, a spokesperson for the district attorney's office said. The man will remain in custody as he awaits the evaluation, the spokesperson said.

Lamparello's next court date is scheduled for May 14.