'Whitestone Wolverine' charged with attempted murder after attack on Black Lives Matter protestors

Screenshot via CRUZING_ON_A_CRUZ/ INSTAGRAM

By David Brand

A Whitestone man who threatened a group of young protestors with a bladed weapon strapped to his arm before chasing them with his SUV was charged with attempted murder Thursday.

Frank Cavalluzzi, 54, was caught on multiple cell phone videos stopping his SUV Tuesday afternoon to yell at young people protesting the police killing of George Floyd before exiting the vehicle and brandishing a piece of weaponry with four serrated blades attached to his arm. 

After returning to his SUV, Cavalluzzi did a U-Turn and drove onto the sidewalk, sending the demonstrators running for their lives, the videos show. Video also shows him allegedly threatening to kill the protestors.

The Eagle was the first publication to report on the bizarre incident, which has earned Cavalluzi the nickname “Whitestone Wolverine” on social media.

“No one at any time should infringe upon another’s Constitutionally-protected freedoms and doing so with the intent to injure and maim is criminal,” said Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz. 

Cavalluzzi was arraigned before Queens Criminal Court Judge Mary Berjarano on charges of second-degree attempted murder, first- and second-degree attempted assault, reckless endangerment, second-degree menacing, endangering the welfare of a child and criminal possession of a weapon.

He was released on $100,000 bail and ordered to return to court July 2.

Cavalluzzi faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted of the attempted murder charge.

Cavalluzzi’s attorney Stephen Murphy did not immediately respond to a phone call seeking comment.