This year, a Toms River man is accused of shouting “white lives matter” and throwing smoke bombs into a crowd outside a church.
Nicholas Mucci, 28, faces multiple charges in connection with the attack at Trinity Episcopal Church in Asbury Park on January 27, according to the Attorney General’s Office. The arrest occurred on Saturday.
Nearly 200 people attended an anti-racism punk rock concert held at the parish that evening to benefit the One People’s Project. On its website, the organisation founded by Antifa activist and New Jersey native Daryle Lamont Jenkins states that its mission is to combat right-wing groups and fight fascism.
Mucci yelled, “White lives matter, too!” according to a criminal complaint. The man then threw two smoke bombs at the crowd before fleeing in a dark SUV.
We are kickin' it in Asbury Park tonight! pic.twitter.com/chsRR9hiRz
— One People's Project (@OnePeoplesProj) January 27, 2023
Witnesses told investigators that the vehicle circled the church for the next hour. The complaint states that Mucci returned shortly after 10 p.m. and attempted to pepper spray the group while shouting “White lives matter” again.
According to authorities, Mucci’s phone was off during the attack.
“Mucci had previously described this tactic as ‘going dark’ when committing attacks motivated by white supremacy,” the complaint states. This statement is not elaborated upon in the document.
Mucci is charged with second-degree causing or risking widespread injury, second-degree unlawful possession of explosives, and third-degree arson, aggravated assault, terroristic threats, and unlawful possession of a destructive device.
He is being held in the Monmouth County jail until his court date.
Attorney General Matthew Platkin said in a statement, “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.”
Reverend Chase Danford, rector of Trinity Episcopal Church, stated in the days following the attack that the church’s Pride flag had been vandalised. Monday, when reached for comment, Danford declined to do so.
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