Man Pleads Guilty After Bringing Explosives to Washington Catholic Church Before Supreme Court Ceremony
A man from New Jersey has pleaded guilty in federal court after bringing dozens of homemade explosive devices to a Catholic church in Washington as preparations were underway for a Mass traditionally marking the opening of the United States Supreme Court’s new term. Authorities said the incident took place outside the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle, where the annual Red Mass is held each year for members of the legal community. The suspect, identified as Louis Geri of Vineland, admitted to charges related to illegal possession of destructive devices and extortion involving threats of violence.
Court records show that Geri appeared before U.S. District Judge Randolph Moss and entered a guilty plea to two felony counts. Prosecutors said the defendant remains in custody and is scheduled to be sentenced on July 27. Under an agreement reached between prosecutors and the defense, both sides recommended a prison sentence ranging from five years and ten months to seven years and three months. The judge is not obligated to follow the recommendation but must consider the terms presented during the plea agreement before issuing the final sentence.
The case stems from events on October 5 when police detained Geri outside St. Matthew’s Cathedral shortly before the annual Red Mass ceremony. Officers had been securing the area ahead of the event when they encountered a tent set up on steps leading into the church building. Authorities later discovered that the tent contained more than one hundred homemade explosive devices along with written materials outlining a list of demands. The Red Mass traditionally brings together judges lawyers and other legal professionals and is sometimes attended by members of the U.S. Supreme Court.
Investigators said Geri intended to use the threat of explosions to force negotiations with various institutions including the federal government the Supreme Court and the Catholic Church. According to court filings he also possessed a nine page document listing demands which included requests for money and an unusual proposal asking for a flight to Japan. Officials said he also demanded that the Supreme Court remove the state of Arizona from the United States. Authorities noted that the materials found in his possession reflected hostility toward several groups including the Catholic Church and other institutions.
Police reported that Geri warned officers at the scene that the explosive devices could cause deaths if his demands were not met. Bomb disposal specialists were called in to secure the area and remove the devices safely. Officials confirmed that no explosions occurred and no injuries were reported during the incident. The suspect was initially charged in local court before the case was transferred to federal jurisdiction due to the nature of the explosives and the threats directed toward federal institutions.
Security experts say the case highlights ongoing concerns about threats directed at public gatherings and religious sites, particularly events connected to national institutions. The Red Mass has long been held at the Washington cathedral as a moment of reflection for legal professionals at the beginning of the judicial year. Authorities continue to emphasize the importance of vigilance around high profile events where large groups gather for religious or civic purposes.
