New Jersey man arrested for having Molotov cocktail outside DC church
New Jersey Man Arrested for Allegedly Carrying Molotov Cocktail Outside Washington, DC Catholic Church
A New Jersey man, identified as Louis Geri from Vineland, was taken into custody after being found with a Molotov cocktail outside the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle in Washington, DC. The incident occurred early Sunday morning during a special mass being held to mark the beginning of the Supreme Court term.
Geri was apprehended on the steps of the cathedral around 6 a.m. after setting up a tent filled with what authorities described as “suspicious” items. Despite being banned from the premises, Geri refused to leave the area, prompting law enforcement to intervene.
Upon further inspection, law enforcement discovered vials of liquid and potential fireworks inside Geri’s tent, leading to the involvement of the Metropolitan Police Department’s Explosive Ordinance Disposal team and the Arson Task Force.
The 41-year-old suspect was charged with several offenses, including Unlawful Entry, Threats to Kidnap or Injure a Person, and Possession of a Molotov Cocktail.
The Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle was hosting its annual Red Mass, a traditional ceremony held on the Sunday prior to the start of the Supreme Court term. The event is intended to seek divine blessings for those involved in the administration of justice and public officials.
Following Geri’s arrest, the area was secured, and the cathedral’s front entrance remained closed as authorities processed the scene. The motive behind Geri’s actions remains unclear at this time.
Authorities have initiated an investigation into the incident, with the Joint Terrorism Task Force, the FBI’s Washington Field Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives taking part in the inquiry.
This alarming episode comes on the heels of a tragic incident in Michigan where a gunman attacked a Mormon church, resulting in the death of four individuals after the building was set ablaze.
