New Jersey Man Arrested at Washington, DC Catholic Church
Officials reported that a man from New Jersey was taken into custody after attempting to hold an unauthorized gathering outside a Catholic church in Washington, DC.
Louis Gerri, 41, from Vineland, New Jersey, was arrested early Sunday morning—before 6 AM—at the Cathedral of the Apostle St. Matthew. He had set up a tent filled with various items that drew suspicion and reportedly refused to leave the premises. This incident was noted by the metropolitan police.
Gerri had previously been banned from the church grounds, though authorities haven’t disclosed the reasons for this ban. Police noticed multiple questionable items in his tent, including vials of liquid and what appeared to be fireworks. Subsequently, the explosive ordnance disposal team along with an arson task force was called in to inspect the situation.
He faces several charges including illegal entry, making threats to injure someone, and possession of a Molotov cocktail.
Coincidentally, St. Matthew’s was holding its annual Red Mass that day, a ceremony that marks the start of the Supreme Court’s term. This mass is meant to ask for divine blessings on those involved in administering justice.
The area was secured by police, and modifications were made to ensure that the main entrance of the cathedral remained closed during the incident.
As for Gerri’s motivations? They remain unclear, which adds a layer of uncertainty to the whole situation.
This incident takes on a darker context, given a recent attack in Michigan where a gunman drove a vehicle into a church, firing shots at worshippers and resulting in multiple casualties.
