NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- A Queens man was convicted of attempted murder for attacking peaceful Black Lives Matter demonstrators in June 2020, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced on Monday.
Following a two-week trial, Frank Cavalluzzi, 57, of Flushing, was convicted of nine counts of attempted murder, nine counts of attempted assault, seven counts of menacing, criminal possession of a weapon and reckless driving on Friday, August 18.
According to the charges, at approximately 3:45 p.m. On June 2, 2020, a group of peaceful demonstrators hung up signs and posters in support of Black Lives Matter at the intersection of the Cross Island Parkway service road and Clintonville Street in Whitestone.
Cavaluzzi drove up to the demonstrators, abruptly stopped his SUV across the street and began screaming profanities and racial slurs, including, "You are in the wrong neighborhood."
He then made a U-turn, exited the vehicle wearing four serrated blades attached to a leather glove strapped to his right arm, and chased several of the demonstrators while waving the bladed glove and screaming at them.
Cavaluzzi re-entered his vehicle and yelled, "I will kill you," before driving onto the sidewalk at the demonstrators.
Cavaluzzi faces up to 25 years in prison for each count of attempted murder. His sentencing is set for October 13.
"A dangerous man is going to jail. It’s a good day for New York and the First Amendment," District Attorney Katz said.
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