ASBURY PARK – An Ocean County man has been arrested and criminally charged after attacking a local church with smoke bombs during an anti-racism concert.
Nicholas G. Mucci, 28, of Toms River, is charged with causing or risking widespread injury or damage (2nd degree), possession of a weapon (explosives) for unlawful purposes (2nd degree), arson (3rd degree), aggravated assault (3rd degree), terroristic threats (3rd degree), and possession of a destructive device (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.
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 two 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.
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.
“New Jersey is, and always will be, a state that values the rich diversity of all cultures, religions, and ideals. This attack targeted people exercising their freedom of expression as they left a house of worship,” Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said. “Our perseverance in investigating and bringing to justice the person responsible for this attack demonstrates our commitment to protecting the rights of all New Jerseyans to live free from the threat of violence and fear.”
“The alleged actions of this defendant presented a clear risk to the public that could have ended in tragedy,” said Director Pearl Minato of the Division of Criminal Justice. “I commend the members of law enforcement for their collaborative work in identifying and apprehending the defendant, who will now face justice for his alleged crimes.”
The following agencies provided valuable support, the Federal Bureau of Investigations, the New Jersey State Police, the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, the Wall Police Department, the Toms River Police Department, and the Berkeley Township Police Department.
The charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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