Philly man sentenced to 33 months in federal prison for making violent, racist threats against Black women.

In a poignant courtroom session on Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Gerald McHugh confronted the unsettling reality of racial violence as he sentenced Mark Anthony Tucci to 33 months in federal prison for making violent, racist threats against two Black women he did not know. The judge’s emotion was palpable, as he recognized the gravity of Tucci’s actions, which he characterized as a reflection of “deeply hateful attitudes” that society must not tolerate.

Tucci’s troubling behavior, which included threats of violence, was deemed criminally inexcusable. Prior to sentencing, Judge McHugh expressed concern that Tucci’s actions were fundamentally aimed at stripping the victims of their dignity and humanity. Such behavior underscores a disturbing trend of racial hostility that continues to afflict communities across the nation.

As part of the sentence, Tucci was also ordered to pay nearly ,000 in restitution. He had previously pleaded guilty to charges including threats to use a dangerous weapon, interference with federally protected activities, and interstate communication of threats. U.S. Attorney David Metcalf emphasized the importance of accountability in cases involving civil rights violations, stating that every citizen deserves to feel secure and free from abhorrent, racist threats.

The incidents involving Tucci occurred in two separate episodes last year. In the first, he approached a Black woman while driving on I-95, rolled down his window, and threatened to kill her. In a second encounter, he harassed a Black employee of the city’s Department of Human Services, targeting her as part of a personal dispute involving his daughter. Throughout these encounters, Tucci resorted to racial slurs and derogatory comments that perpetuated harmful stereotypes, exacerbating the impact of his threats.

During the sentencing hearing, as the prosecutor detailed Tucci’s offenses, he visibly grappled with the weight of his actions, often burying his face in his hands. He later expressed remorse, acknowledging the inexcusable nature of his conduct and citing struggles with undiagnosed mental health issues at the time. Since receiving treatment, he reported improvements in his mental health.

While his past affiliations with the far-right Proud Boys group were noted in the context of his influence, they were not discussed in depth during the sentencing. Family members testified to his improved mental state while in custody, underscoring the complexity of Tucci’s circumstances.

Despite his claims of remorse, the victims opted not to attend the court proceedings. However, their feelings were conveyed through statements read by the prosecutor. One victim described experiencing ongoing anxiety while driving, a stark reminder of the lasting implications of Tucci’s threats.

As he prepared to leave the courtroom, Judge McHugh offered a cautionary note to Tucci, indicating that his future ultimately lies in his own hands, a reminder of the responsibility each individual holds to contribute to a safer, more respectful society. This case highlights the critical need for continued vigilance and action against racial violence in America.

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