A 41-year-old man from New Jersey was taken into custody outside Saint Matthew’s Cathedral in Washington, D.C., on Sunday for allegedly having a Molotov cocktail, officials reported.
Louis Geri, from Vineland, had erected a tent on the Cathedral’s steps, which was preparing to host its annual Red Mass, according to a statement from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
The Red Mass is a Catholic service marking the beginning of the judicial year, offering prayers for wisdom, advice, and courage for judges, lawyers, and public officials.
Officers assigned to the Red Mass event noticed Geri and his tent shortly before 6 a.m. and found that he had been previously banned from the Cathedral’s grounds, police mentioned. Authorities said Geri refused to vacate the area but was arrested without incident.
Police said the scene was secured and there was no threat to the public.
Police said vials of liquid and possible fireworks were found inside the suspect’s tent. (Fox News)
Geri faces charges of unlawful entry, threats to kidnap or injure a person and possession of a Molotov cocktail.
