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A new Jersey A man has been arrested on charges that he had explosive material WashingtonThe D.C., church was preparing to celebrate an annual Mass marking the beginning of the US Supreme Court’s term, according to police and court records.
Court records show Louis Gerry, 41, of Vineland, New Jersey, was charged with possession of a destructive device following his arrest outside St. Matthew’s Cathedral on Sunday.
Some judges of the Supreme Court usually attend the annual Red Mass. A court spokesman said no judges attended this year’s ceremony.
police officer They were clearing the area near the Roman Catholic church before the ceremony when they saw Gerry setting up a tent on the steps leading to the church. Police said Gerry was initially banned from the premises and arrested when he refused to remove his tent from church property.
According to a police report, Gerry told police he had explosive devices and said, “You might want to stay right here and call the federals.” Police said Gerry also had a butane lighter and was carrying a bag containing vials of yellow liquid.
A petition filed in court said investigators found parts for making a “destructive device” in the tent.
“Gerry described his devices as a grenade and explosive (nitromethane), with the fuse used for detonation secured with a rubber band,” the filing said.
Police He said he also found papers in Gerry’s possession that expressed “significant hostility” toward the Roman Catholic Church. Jewish People, “members” of the Supreme Court and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Court records show Gerry is represented by an attorney with the Public Defender Service of the District of Columbia. The lawyer and a spokesperson for that office did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment on the allegations.
A D.C. Superior Court judge ordered Gerry held without bond until a hearing Thursday.
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Associated Press writer Mark Sherman in Washington contributed to this report.