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1h ago

Man Arrested With Suspected Molotov Cocktail Outside D.C. Cathedral Before Red Mass

Authorities report a secure scene, with an interagency explosives inquiry underway.

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The Roman Catholic Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle is seen in Washington, DC, on February 22, 2023.
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Overview

  • Officers encountered Louis Geri, 41, of Vineland, New Jersey, around 6 a.m. after he set up a tent on the cathedral steps and refused to leave.
  • Police say he had been previously barred from the property and was arrested without incident by units assigned to the Red Mass detail.
  • A search of the tent turned up vials of liquid, possible fireworks, and an alleged Molotov cocktail, prompting responses from EOD and arson teams.
  • Preliminary charges include unlawful entry, threats to kidnap or injure, and possession of a Molotov cocktail, with no stated motive at this time.
  • MPD says it is working with the Joint Terrorism Task Force, the FBI Washington Field Office, and ATF, and officials report no known threat to public safety while noting no Supreme Court justices attended the service.