Federal authorities averted a potential catastrophe at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle in Washington, D.C., when they apprehended 41-year-old Louis Geri, who was found with more than 200 homemade explosive devices. The arrest occurred just before the annual Red Mass, a service traditionally attended by Supreme Court justices, was set to commence.
On a crisp Sunday morning, law enforcement officers confronted Geri, who had set up a green tent on the cathedral steps and had been ordered to vacate the premises. Defiantly, Geri warned the officers of the explosives, threatening that there would be casualties. The tense stand-off escalated as Geri handed over a manifesto to the negotiators.
Inside the tent, investigators uncovered a disturbing array of explosive components, including vials of yellow liquid with a strong acetone scent, objects resembling grenades, and fuses wrapped with rubber bands. Preliminary testing indicated the presence of nitromethane, a chemical often used in explosives, and the devices were deemed fully functional with the potential for detonation.
The intensity of the situation peaked as Geri, holding a butane lighter, threatened to trigger the explosives, putting the officers and potentially hundreds of attendees at risk. A fortuitous moment arose when Geri momentarily left the tent, allowing authorities to intervene and seize a detonation device and a vial attached to an explosive M-device.
Geri's manifesto, disturbingly titled "Written Negotiations for the Avoidance of Destruction of Property via Detonation of Explosives," expressed his disdain for various targets including the Catholic Church, Supreme Court justices, Jewish people, and immigration facilities. His writings hinted at the possibility of testing the explosives in public spaces, raising alarms about the threat to public safety.
The FBI is currently investigating Geri's motives and any broader threats that may be linked to his actions. Officials praised the swift response of law enforcement, which they credit with preventing a mass-casualty incident during the Red Mass, an event with hundreds of attendees annually. The arrest also casts a spotlight on the challenges faced by cities in addressing ideologically motivated individuals and the danger of homemade explosives.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are considering whether Geri acted independently or if he is connected to larger extremist networks. The findings may lead to a broader inquiry if additional threats or accomplices emerge. Experts highlight the ease of accessing explosive materials and instructions online as a continual threat to urban safety.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the vigilance required to protect public and judicial events. Geri now faces multiple charges, including unlawful entry, possession, and manufacturing of explosives for unlawful purposes, assault on police officers, and threats to injure. A D.C. Superior Court judge has ordered him to be held without bond pending a hearing.
