A heavily armed New Jersey man with an apparent vendetta against federal authorities, religious institutions, and Supreme Court justices was arrested outside the historic Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle just hours before the annual Red Mass, according to newly released court documents.
Louis Geri, 41, was taken into custody after police discovered over 200 explosive devices in a tent he had pitched on the cathedral’s steps. The Red Mass, a long-standing tradition that marks the opening of the Supreme Court’s term, was scheduled to be attended by several justices who reportedly stayed away as the threat unfolded.
“Call the federales, I have explosives”
Court filings obtained by the Washington Post detail a chilling confrontation between Geri and law enforcement. When approached by officers for trespassing, Geri allegedly told them, “You might want to stay back and call the federales, I have explosives.”
During an attempted negotiation, Geri passed officers a disturbing notebook titled “Written Negotiations for the Avoidance of Destruction of Property via Detonation of Explosives.” In it, he expressed rage toward the Catholic Church, Jews, Supreme Court justices, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
According to authorities, Geri threatened to “test one out on the streets” and that “several of your people are gonna die from one of these” if they didn’t back off.
Explosives, Hate Speech, and Dangerous Ideology
Bomb squad officers discovered vials of yellow liquid, later identified as nitromethane — the same highly explosive substance used in the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing. Also found were homemade pyrotechnic devices resembling enhanced bottle rockets, filled with shrapnel and wrapped in aluminum foil.
Police say the devices were confiscated and turned over to the FBI for forensic testing. Geri was ultimately subdued and arrested after leaving the tent briefly to urinate, during which a struggle with officers ensued.
Targeting the Red Mass
The Red Mass, held annually at St. Matthew’s Cathedral, is a sacred tradition that brings together members of the legal profession for prayer and reflection ahead of the new judicial term. This year, the event was marred by what appears to be an attempted act of domestic terrorism.
According to the Catholic Standard, several justices opted not to attend the Mass due to the unfolding threat. Security around the event was quickly heightened, and local National Guard troops were seen patrolling the area.
Geri’s arrest has sparked renewed concerns about political extremism and the rising threat of violence targeting government officials and public institutions. His alleged manifesto includes violent rhetoric against ICE and accuses Supreme Court justices of participating in a “corrupt regime.”
Federal Charges and No Bail
Geri now faces eight federal charges, including manufacture and possession of weapons of mass destruction, threats of terrorism and hate crimes related to religious and political bias. A judge ordered Geri held without bail.
Court records show that Geri had a prior criminal history in Arizona, though details have not been fully released. Officials are investigating whether he acted alone or was inspired or aided by extremist groups.
A Stark Reminder
The chilling incident has reignited debate about domestic terrorism, political rhetoric, and rising threats against national institutions — particularly the Supreme Court, which has been at the center of escalating protests and threats since overturning Roe v. Wade.
The Department of Justice has not commented publicly on the case, but multiple agencies are now involved in the investigation, including the FBI, ATF, and the Department of Homeland Security.
The Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle reopened to the public shortly after the explosives were removed, and Sunday’s Red Mass proceeded under heavy security.
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