Cops: ‘Anarchist,’ 18, nabbed with Molotovs

Arrested Monday at Worcester protest

Federal officials announced the arrest of a “self-proclaimed anarchist” who was found with a satchel full of firebombs outside a protest in Worcester calling for justice for George Floyd on Monday.

Vincent Eovacious, 18, allegedly yelled for a crowd of protesters to kill the police at a demonstration on Main Street in Worcester on Monday, according to federal prosecutors.

An officer saw Eovacious take out a bottle from his satchel that appeared to have liquid and attempt to put a rag into it while holding a silver object that the officer thought was a lighter.

Officers searched the satchel and found three clear glass bottles with a slightly yellow liquid that smelled of gasoline, five white rags, one green lighter and one silver lighter.

Eovacious said the liquid in the glass bottles was gasoline and that he was “with the anarchist group” and was “waiting for an opportunity,” according to U.S. Attorney Andrew Lelling’s office.

“The right to protest is not the right to hurt police officers and destroy property,” said Lelling. “According to the complaint, this selfproclaimed anarchist built Molotov cocktails — homemade firebombs — to use during a demonstration honoring George Floyd. We will aggressively prosecute anyone who pursues violence under cover of peaceful protest.”

Eovacious has been charged with civil disorder and unlawful possession of a destructive device.

He was arrested Wednesday on federal charges after being released on bond for state charges, including possession of an incendiary device. He will appear in federal court in Worcester on Thursday.

“This defendant was in possession of several Molotov Cocktails and appeared intent to use them as lethal devices against Police Officers while they were protecting the rights of protesters. This violent act puts … our entire community, protesters and first responders alike, at risk,” said Special Agent in Charge Kelly D. Brady.

The civil disorder charge provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison. The penalty for unlawful possession of a firearm is up to ten years in prison.

“As alleged, the danger posed by Vincent Eovacious in this case was very real. The apparent intent to hurl Molotov cocktails at police officers who are risking their lives to protect the Constitutional rights of protesters and the safety of us all is utterly reprehensible,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division.