New Jersey Man Pleads Guilty to Bringing Explosives to DC Church Before Supreme Court Term

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A New Jersey man named Louis Geri pleaded guilty to charges that he brought over 100 homemade explosive devices to a Washington, D.C. church that was preparing for an annual Mass celebrating the start of the Supreme Court's term. Geri was arrested outside St. Matthew's Cathedral on October 5th and had a 'list of written demands' that he intended to use to coerce negotiations with the federal government, the church, and the Supreme Court.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing security concerns around potential threats to government institutions and houses of worship, especially those with ties to the Supreme Court. It also raises questions about the mental health and motivations of individuals who would resort to such extreme measures to try to influence the judicial system and government.

The details

According to court records, Geri pleaded guilty to two felony counts: illegal possession of a destructive device and extortion by wrongful use of force, violence or fear. Geri told police that he had explosive devices and said 'several of your people are gonna die from one of these' if his demands weren't 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 U.S.

• On October 5, 2026, Geri was arrested outside St. Matthew's Cathedral in Washington, D.C.
• Geri is scheduled to be sentenced on July 27, 2026 by U.S. District Judge Randolph Moss.

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on July 27, 2026 whether to accept the 5-7 year sentencing recommendation or impose a longer sentence, which could allow Geri to withdraw his guilty plea.