Arrest of Louis D. Geri: Preventing a Potential Threat at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle
A man from New Jersey was arrested by Washington, D.C., police outside the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle with homemade explosives and a manifesto expressing hostility towards Catholics, Jews, the U.S. Supreme Court, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The arrest occurred just hours before an annual event, Red Mass, was scheduled to take place at the cathedral, with some justices expected to attend.
Louis D. Geri, 41, was found camping in a green tent in front of the cathedral early in the morning. Police officers asked him to move his tent as they were securing the area for the upcoming event.
Geri allegedly mentioned having explosives when approached by an officer, prompting the officer to call for assistance from the MPD bomb squad. He claimed to have over a hundred explosives and suggested testing one on the street.
Despite initially threatening to detonate the explosives, Geri changed his tone when informed that he would be forcibly removed from the scene. He eventually opened the tent, revealing a butane lighter and an unknown white object.
Sgt. Wishnick, a member of the bomb squad, was able to retrieve a manifesto titled "Written Negotiations for the Avoidance of Destruction of Property via Detonation of Explosives" from Geri. The document contained his grievances and threats towards various groups.
Geri was arrested after allegedly urinating near a tree and was found in possession of a vial filled with a yellow liquid and a lighter. A search of his tent uncovered a significant number of homemade explosives and writings expressing his animosity towards specific groups.
The Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle has historical significance and has hosted notable events, including the funerals of President John F. Kennedy and Ethel Kennedy. The Red Mass, an annual event held before the Supreme Court term, is a significant tradition at the cathedral.
Geri, with a prior criminal record, faces charges related to the manufacture of a weapon of mass destruction, making threats, and unlawful entry. He is currently held without bond and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing in court.
In conclusion, the arrest of Louis D. Geri outside the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle in Washington, D.C., highlights the importance of vigilance and swift action by law enforcement to prevent potential threats and ensure public safety.