‘Whitestone Wolverine’ seen threatening to kill Queens Black Lives Matter demonstrators indicted
/By David Brand
A 55-year-old Queens man seen threatening young Black Lives Matter protestors with a bizarre bladed glove before chasing them with his SUV was indicted on nine counts of attempted murder Wednesday.
Frank Cavaluzzi was filmed June 2, 2020 stopping his vehicle along a Whitestone overpass and stepping out to menace a group of sidewalk demonstrators with the medieval weapon. Cell phone videos from the scene show Cavaluzzi returning to his vehicle and driving onto the sidewalk to chase the demonstrators, who had gathered in the wake of the police killing of George Floyd.
The Eagle was the first publication to report on the shocking incident, which quickly earned Cavalluzi the nickname “Whitestone Wolverine” on social media.
“You’re in the wrong neighborhood” and “I will kill you,” he told the victims, according to prosecutors.
He was arrested and charged with attempted murder and other offenses a few days after the alleged attack, but was not indicted by a grand jury until Wednesday.
Queens DA Melinda Katz condemned the threats to demonstrators.
“The moments that followed were sheer terror for the victims,” she said. “As alleged, the defendant donned a glove made of knives — something resembling a horror movie prop — and chased the peaceful protesters on foot.”
Cavaluzzi, a Flushing resident, faces a slew of charges in addition to the nine counts of attempted murder. If convicted, he could serve the rest of his life in prison. He faces 25 years for each attempted murder victim.
Cavaluzzi’s attorney Ed Muccini did not respond to requests for comment.