Washington, D.C.'s Metropolitan Police arrested 41-year-old Louis Geri of Vineland, N.J., outside St. Matthew’s Cathedral early Sunday, ahead of the annual Red Mass, for allegedly possessing a Molotov cocktail [foxnews.com#2][thehill.com#3][allsides.com#1]. Officers encountered him on the cathedral steps shortly before 6 a.m., found suspicious items including vials of liquid and possible fireworks in his tent, and secured the scene with help from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team and Arson Task Force; police reported no threat to the public [foxnews.com#2][thehill.com#3]. He faces charges including unlawful entry, threats to kidnap or injure a person, and possession of a Molotov cocktail [foxnews.com#2].
Highlights:
- Security response: MPD’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal team and the Arson Task Force examined the suspect’s belongings, and police said the scene was secured with no threat to the public [foxnews.com#2][thehill.com#3].
- Early encounter: Officers assigned to the Red Mass detail spotted a tent on the cathedral steps shortly before 6 a.m., determined the individual had been previously barred, and arrested him after he refused to leave [foxnews.com#2].
- Suspicious items: Police reported finding vials of liquid and possible fireworks inside the tent during the arrest [foxnews.com#2].
- Event context: The Red Mass celebrates the start of the judicial year and offers prayers for wisdom, counsel, and fortitude for judges, lawyers and public officials [foxnews.com#2].
- Charges filed: The suspect faces unlawful entry, threats to kidnap or injure a person, and possession of a Molotov cocktail [foxnews.com#2].
