A man was reportedly arrested Sunday morning outside Saint Matthew’s Cathedral in downtown Washington, D.C., shortly before the annual Red Mass, an event that draws prominent figures from across the legal and political world, including Supreme Court justices and senior administration officials.
The Metropolitan Police Department said officers “engaged an individual who set up a tent on the steps of the Cathedral” as security was heightened ahead of the Mass. “Officers determined that the individual was previously barred from the premises of the Cathedral,” MPD said in a statement. “The individual refused to vacate the premises and was placed under arrest without incident.”
Authorities identified the suspect as Louis Geri, 41, of Vineland, N.J. Geri is facing multiple charges, including unlawful entry, threats to kidnap or injure a person, and possession of a Molotov cocktail, according to police.
During the arrest, officers discovered “multiple suspicious items” inside the tent, including what were described as potential fireworks and liquid-filled vials. The MPD said the scene was “secured” and that public safety was not threatened.
The Red Mass, held annually at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle, has long served as a solemn occasion marking the start of the Supreme Court’s new term. The event — hosted by the John Carroll Society, a local Catholic organization — traditionally brings together the chief justice, members of the Court, and other senior officials to pray for wisdom and justice in the exercise of their duties.
“The Red Mass is celebrated annually at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle, traditionally on the Sunday before the first Monday in October, which marks the opening of the Supreme Court’s annual term,” the Cathedral’s website explains. “Its purpose is to invoke God’s blessings on those responsible for the administration of justice as well as on all public officials.”
The gathering, steeped in history and ritual, dates back centuries and reflects a longstanding partnership between faith and public service. The Red Mass has become a fixture of Washington’s civic calendar, symbolizing a moment of reflection for the country’s most powerful legal minds at a time of political polarization and cultural division.
That calm was briefly interrupted Sunday by Geri’s arrest — an unsettling incident outside an event known for its dignity and restraint. Law enforcement officials moved quickly to prevent any disruption, securing the scene and confirming that no explosives were detonated.
Police have not released additional details about Geri’s motive, but the charges suggest serious intent. The MPD’s rapid response prevented what could have been a dangerous situation at an event attended by top members of the judiciary and executive branch.
For many in Washington, the episode was a reminder of the tensions that increasingly surround public gatherings, even those rooted in faith and tradition. Yet despite the security scare, the Red Mass proceeded as planned, its message of unity and justice undiminished — a moment of prayer for the nation’s leaders under the watchful eye of both the faithful and the law.
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