Suspect Who Targeted Supreme Court Mass With Hundreds Of Explosives Back In Court

WASHINGTON—The suspect arrested last October with more than 100 explosive devices outside of St. Matthew’s Cathedral ahead of the annual Red Mass that marked the start of the Supreme Court term was back in court on Tuesday. 

Louis Geri appeared in D.C. Superior Court for a status hearing. During the hearing, the court addressed a potential resolution between the prosecution and the defense. Initially, Geri was set to appear back in court on February 5, but was rescheduled to a later date at the apparent request of Geri. After February 5 was mentioned, Geri whispered to his attorney. After the two discussed, his attorney said Louis “doesn’t want to come back until there’s a resolution.” D.C. Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro acknowledged Geri’s request. 

Previously, Geri’s defense rejected a plea deal offered by the prosecution. Due to a judge caseload transfer, Geri’s case was reassigned from Judge Heide Herrmann to Judge Di Toro. Geri faces charges of one count of Unlawful Manufacture or Possession of  Weapon of Mass Destruction and False Report of a Weapon of Mass Destruction. 

Geri was apprehended after stepping outside his tent to urinate on October 5 of last year. His tent, which allegedly contained the explosives, was set up on the steps of St. Matthew’s Cathedral, according to WUSA9. Authorities say he had gathered materials for the devices in Arkansas and was aware “that multiple public figures would likely attend” the event and that the “potential for damage was incredibly high.” 

Due to security concerns at the time, Supreme Court justices did not attend the Red Mass, which is an annual event held by the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle, wherein the parish prays for the High Court at the beginning of a new term.

On Tuesday, Judge Di Toro granted a mutual continuance, indicating that both sides agreed to delay proceedings while assessing if the case could be resolved without a trial. The court is set to reconvene on February 19 to discuss the case’s next steps.