Philadelphia man admits to making violent, racist threats towards Black city employees.

A 44-year-old man from Philadelphia has admitted guilt to federal charges related to making racially motivated violent threats against Black employees of the city and a Black motorist, according to U.S. Attorney David Metcalf. The defendant, Mark Anthony Tucci, entered his plea in federal court, facing counts including using threats with a dangerous weapon, interfering with federally protected activities, and cyberstalking.

The court documents detail several alarming incidents involving Tucci. One noteworthy occurrence involved Tucci threatening to harm individuals at a city agency. He reportedly made specific threats towards a Black employee, claiming knowledge of their home address and repeatedly using racial slurs, while also asserting his association with the extremist group, the Proud Boys.

In a separate incident on Interstate 95, Tucci targeted a Black female driver, shouting threats of violence and hurling a glass mug at her vehicle, causing significant damage. This display of aggression was part of a broader pattern of threatening communications that Tucci engaged in with city employees, including racially charged messaging and harassing calls.

Tucci’s actions extended to direct communications with city employees, which were marked by incessant yelling and racial insults. The prosecution’s memorandum indicated that on June 3, 2024, Tucci made threatening phone calls, followed by frantic text messages to an employee’s personal phone, which included personal information and aggressive statements suggesting he would confront the employee.

Investigation of Tucci’s online activity revealed troubling material. Law enforcement found his iCloud account contained a PDF of “The Great Replacement,” a manifesto linked to the New Zealand mosque shooter, Brenton Tarrant. Additionally, investigators uncovered videos promoting white supremacist views and other extremist content, including references to violence against Black individuals.

The psychological toll on the targeted city employee was significant, with the individual expressing fears for their safety and altering their daily routines to avoid being followed. The abuse has led to the employee carrying personal safety items for protection.

Mark Anthony Tucci is scheduled for sentencing on December 2. His case forms part of ongoing investigations into hate crimes and violent extremism in the United States, highlighting the persistent challenges posed by racially motivated threats and the actions of extremist groups. The investigation was conducted jointly by the FBI, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Philadelphia Police Department, with the prosecution being led by Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Jeanette Kang and attorney Samuel Kuhn from the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section.