Federal authorities arrested 41-year-old Louis Geri after uncovering more than 200 homemade explosive devices in a tent outside the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle in Washington, D.C., just ahead of the annual Red Mass.
The gathering, which traditionally draws Supreme Court justices, was spared potential disaster thanks to rapid law enforcement action.
Geri, a Vineland, New Jersey resident with reported ties to Arizona, ignored repeated orders to vacate a green tent set up on the cathedral steps.
Officers said he warned, “You might want to stay back and call the federales, I have explosives,” and later threatened, “Several of your people are gonna die from one of these.”
During negotiations, he handed authorities a manifesto.
Inside the tent, investigators discovered components consistent with improvised explosive devices.
These included vials of yellow liquid, objects resembling grenades and fuses secured with rubber bands.
The Post Millennial reports that some of the vials emitted a strong acetone odor, and preliminary testing revealed nitromethane, a chemical commonly used in explosives.
Authorities described the devices as fully functional and capable of detonation.
Negotiators observed Geri holding a butane lighter near one of the devices, warning officers, “All right, if you want to do it, we’ll do it now,” and instructing them to “Step away or there’s going to be deaths.”
He was arrested after briefly leaving the tent to urinate, during which authorities recovered a detonation device and a vial taped to an M-device.
Geri’s manifesto, titled “Written Negotiations for the Avoidance of Destruction of Property via Detonation of Explosives,” detailed his contempt for the Catholic Church, Supreme Court justices, Jewish people and ICE facilities, according to Trending Politics.
The writings suggested he contemplated testing explosives in public areas, heightening concerns about potential casualties.
Authorities also noted that Geri had previously been barred from the cathedral grounds but returned on the day of the Red Mass, signaling premeditation, per The Independent.
He now faces multiple charges, including unlawful entry, possession and manufacturing of explosives for unlawful purposes, assault on police officers and making threats to injure.
A D.C. Superior Court judge ordered him held without bond pending a hearing later this week.
The FBI is examining both the devices and his writings to determine motive and any potential broader threats.
Officials said the rapid intervention prevented a potential mass-casualty incident at a ceremony that annually draws hundreds of attendees.
Police emphasized the case underscores the ongoing danger posed by ideologically motivated actors and the importance of strict security protocols at public and judicial events.
“The rapid response by law enforcement ensured this event remained safe for attendees,” authorities said.
The arrest also highlights the growing challenge of addressing individuals driven by ideological hatred and the risks posed by homemade explosives in urban settings.
Authorities continue investigating whether Geri acted alone or had links to wider extremist networks and the investigation may expand if additional threats or collaborators are identified.
Experts warn that the availability of explosive materials and online instructions creates ongoing hazards in major cities.
