A man from New Jersey has entered a guilty plea in federal court for transporting dozens of homemade explosive devices to a church in Washington, D.C., which was preparing for an annual Mass that marks the commencement of the Supreme Court's term. Court documents reveal that Louis Geri of Vineland admitted to the charges on Thursday, with sentencing scheduled for July 27 before U.S. District Judge Randolph Moss.
Details of the Guilty Plea and Sentencing
Geri remains in custody until his sentencing after pleading guilty to two felony counts: illegal possession of a destructive device and extortion through the wrongful use of force, violence, or fear. The defendant and the government have agreed that an appropriate prison term would range from five years and ten months to seven years and three months. However, Judge Moss is not obligated to follow this recommendation, and Geri retains the right to withdraw his guilty plea if a longer sentence is imposed.
Arrest and Discovery at St. Matthew's Cathedral
Geri was apprehended on October 5 outside St. Matthew’s Cathedral, where police officers were securing the area prior to the annual Red Mass. This event is traditionally attended by some Supreme Court justices, although none were present at last year's ceremony. On the eve of the Mass, Geri had set up a tent on the church steps and spent the night inside it, where authorities discovered more than 100 explosive devices along with a nine-page list of written demands.
Threats and Demands Outlined in Court Filings
According to court filings accompanying his guilty plea, Geri intended to use the threat of death or significant property damage from these explosive devices to coerce negotiations with the Federal Government, St. Matthew’s Church, the Supreme Court of the United States, and other entities. He reportedly told police that he possessed explosive devices and warned that "several of your people are gonna die from one of these" if his demands were not met.
His written demands included requests for money, an "expatriation flight" to Japan, and for the Supreme Court to remove the state of Arizona from the United States. Additionally, police found paperwork in Geri’s possession that expressed "significant animosity" toward the Roman Catholic church, Jewish people, the Supreme Court, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Legal Proceedings and Attorney Response
Initially charged in D.C. Superior Court, Geri ultimately pleaded guilty in federal court. An attorney for Geri did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment on the case. This incident highlights the serious nature of the threats posed and the swift legal action taken to address them.
