ASBURY PARK – An Ocean County man has been indicted after attacking a local church with smoke bombs during an anti-racism concert.
Nicholas G. Mucci, 28, of Toms River, was indicted for aggravated arson (2nd degree); two counts of causing or risking widespread injury or damage (2nd degree); two counts of possession of a destructive device (3rd degree); unlawful possession of a weapon (4th degree); two counts of possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes (3rd degree), two counts of aggravated assault (3rd degree); two counts of terroristic threats (3rd degree); possession of an assault firearm (2nd degree); possession of a large capacity ammunition magazine; and hindering (3rd degree).
Mucci was arrested March 4 in connection to an incident that occurred on January 27 during a concert at the Trinity Episcopal Parish on Asbury Avenue in Asbury Park. He has been held at the Monmouth County Jail, after the court determined he posed a danger to the community, and ordered him detained pending trial.
“The rich diversity of cultures, religions, and ideals in New Jersey is one of our State’s greatest strengths and what had brought celebrants to Trinity Parish at the time of the alleged attack,” said First Assistant Attorney General Lyndsay V. Ruotolo. “This indictment demonstrates our commitment to protecting all members of our community and enforcing the rights of all New Jerseyans to live free from the threat of violence and fear.”
“The defendant’s alleged actions in this case intentionally created a risk of serious harm to members of our community,” said Director of the Division of Criminal Justice J. Stephen Ferketic. “This indictment is an important step in holding the defendant accountable and deterring similar acts of violence and intimidation.”
The concert was organized by a group known as the “One People’s Project,” which labels itself as an anti-racism, social justice organization.
According to officials, Mucci approached the church wearing a black face covering while the concert was ending. He proceeded to block attendees from leaving, allegedly yelled “White lives matter, too,” and threw three smoke bombs toward the church and into the exiting crowd. Afterwards, he drove off in a in a dark colored SUV.
Witnesses told police they saw a dark colored vehicle circling the church following the incident. Around 10 p.m., the same car was seen entering the church parking lot where a few remaining concert-goers still gathered. With his face covering still on, Mucci allegedly got out of his car and attempted to pepper spray the group while again shouting, “White lives matter.” He then allegedly got back into his vehicle and left.
Authorities used a license plate reader installed in the area to identify the vehicle at the scene as Mucci’s car. Cell phone records obtained during the investigation indicated that Mucci’s cell phone had “gone dark” during the time of the incident.
In addition, physical evidence recovered at the scene determined that the smoke bombs were purchased from a fireworks store in Morrisville, PA. Officials said Mucci allegedly purchased identical items from the store on October 23, 2022 and provided out-of-state photo identification in order to make the purchase.
After searching his home, law enforcement seized an AR-style assault rifle, several large capacity ammunition magazines, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. In addition, they found “White Lives Matter” and other white nationalist propaganda inside the home and Mucci’s car along with the bear spray used in the attack.
Officials said Mucci made several social media posts about the incident, including a video that shows him driving while recapping the events of the attack, stating how the bear spray he released at the concertgoers burned his eyes.
Mucci is facing five to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000 for second-degree charges. Third-degree charges carry a sentence of three of five years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000. Fourth-degree crimes carry a sentence of up to 18 months in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
The following agencies provided valuable support: Federal Bureau of Investigation, New Jersey State Police, Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, Wall Police Department, Toms River Police Department, and Berkeley Township Police Department.
The charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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