On Sunday, a man was arrested and charged with explosives possession outside a Washington, DC church, just before an annual Mass known as the Red Mass. This event was scheduled to mark the beginning of the new Supreme Court term.
Details of the Incident
The Red Mass is traditionally held to invoke blessings for those involved in justice administration. According to St. Matthew’s Cathedral, the event serves a significant purpose within the judicial community.
Arrest and Charges
The suspect, identified as Louis Geri, is a 41-year-old resident of Vineland, New Jersey. He faces several preliminary charges, including:
- Unlawful entry
- Threats to kidnap or injure
- Possession of a Molotov cocktail
Just before 6 a.m., police officers approached Geri as he had set up a tent on the cathedral steps. He had previously been banned from the area. Upon refusal to leave, he was taken into custody by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Evidence Collected
Investigators from the MPD’s explosives and arson units searched Geri’s belongings. They discovered vials of liquid and potential fireworks, prompting further investigation.
Ongoing Investigation
The MPD is collaborating with federal authorities, including the Joint Terrorism Task Force, the FBI’s Washington Field Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The FBI has reassured the public that there is currently no threat, but the investigation continues.
Supreme Court Attendance
A spokesperson from the Supreme Court confirmed that no justices were present at the Mass this year, although members of the court have attended in the past. The new term is set to commence on Monday.
Remarks from Cardinal McElroy
During the Red Mass, Cardinal Robert McElroy expressed hopes that Supreme Court members and legal practitioners could restore faith in institutions, which he claimed is deteriorating. He urged a reduction in confrontational political rhetoric, warning that it leads to violence. He mentioned the assassination of Charlie Kirk and the January 6 Capitol riots as pivotal moments of escalating conflict.
Context of Recent Violence
The arrest occurred shortly after a man convicted for attempting to kill Justice Brett Kavanaugh in 2022 received an eight-year prison sentence. This context highlights ongoing concerns regarding security and civility in political discourse.
This incident serves as a reminder of the tension surrounding judicial proceedings and the importance of security measures during significant judicial events.
