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Charlotte native among 23 charged after violent Atlanta riot: What we know

James Marsicano is facing domestic terrorism charges after officials said a group of "violent agitators" threw Molotov cocktails, bricks and rocks at officers.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A Charlotte native is among 23 people facing domestic terrorism charges in connection with the violent "Cop City" riots in Atlanta, officials said.

Atlanta police said James Marsicano was part of a group that threw bricks, Molotov cocktails and fireworks at police officers at the city's future public safety training facility. The incident started as a protest gathering and music festival before turning chaotic. 

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In total, 23 people from 15 states were arrested and charged with domestic terrorism. Only two of the suspects were from Georgia. Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum said officers towed 35 vehicles and estimated the suspects caused $150,000 in property damage. 

Records from the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office show Marsicano has been arrested several times in Charlotte, including once for assaulting a Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officer. 

The incident occurred at the future Atlanta police and fire training center, which opposing activists call "Cop City." The Atlanta Police Department referred to Sunday night's incident as "violent agitators" taking advantage of a peaceful gathering to assault officers. APD said officers "exercised restraint" and used non-lethal methods to arrest the protesters. 

**EDITOR'S NOTE: A previous version of this article stated James Marsicano was a man when their pronouns are she/they. The article has been tweaked to reflect that.

Note: WCNC instituted a new policy in March 2021 regarding the broadcast or posting of mugshots.  

WCNC will only air or post a mugshot if the person has been formally charged with a crime and in a few other cases. The exceptions include: If it appears the person could be a danger to themselves or others or if they are wanted by authorities; to differentiate between people with a common name; if the photos could encourage more victims to come forward. The news-editorial leadership may also decide to use a mugshot based on the severity of the crime(s) committed and/or the level of public interest in the crime and ensuing criminal proceedings.

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