Atlantic City Man Charged With Inspiring Riot At Protest

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ — A man faces federal charges for sparking a riot Sunday in Atlantic City, interrupting a day of protests for George Floyd. The FBI arrested Carlos A. Matchett on Wednesday after posts on his Facebook page expressed support for rioting.

Carlos A. Matchett, of Atlantic City, was federally charged with using a cell phone and social media to participate in or carry a riot. Matchett, 30, was part of a group that participated in destruction and looting in and around the Tanger Outlets, authorities said.

After refusing orders to disperse, police arrested Matchett. During a search, police found a knife, hatchet and a jar filled with gasoline in his backpack, according to U.S. Attorney Craig Carpentino.

A peaceful protest took place in Atlantic City on Sunday for Floyd, who was killed at the hands of Minneapolis police. Floyd, a black man, was handcuffed and lying face down on a Minneapolis street Monday when then-officer Derek Chauvin kept his knee on Floyd's neck for 8 minutes, 46 seconds. He became unresponsive after 2 minutes, 53 seconds, according to the criminal complaint.

Atlantic City police arrested 17 people following the destruction, including Matchett, who was charged with unlawful possession of a weapon, rioting and violation of an emergency order.

The federal complaint cites a Facebook post Sunday from Matchett that says, "LET'S START a RIOT." See below:

Matchett also posted a video on Facebook that showed him encouraging and assisting others around the Tanger Outlets, authorities said. Patch messaged Matchett on Facebook, and he did not immediately return comment.

He faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the federal charge.

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