Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced the sentencing of Frank Cavalluzzi to 14 years in prison for his conviction on nine counts of attempted murder. The incident, which occurred in Whitestone in 2020, involved Cavalluzzi yelling racial slurs at Black Lives Matter demonstrators and attempting to run them over with his SUV while wearing a glove fitted with serrated blades.
District Attorney Katz emphasized the importance of holding individuals accountable for terrorizing peaceful demonstrators exercising their First Amendment rights. Despite no physical harm inflicted on the victims, justice was secured on their behalf.
Cavalluzzi, 58, of Flushing, was convicted of multiple charges, including attempted murder, attempted assault, menacing, criminal possession of a weapon, and reckless driving. He was sentenced by Queens Supreme Court Justice Michelle A. Johnson to 14 years in prison followed by five years of post-release supervision.
The incident unfolded on June 2, 2020, when Cavalluzzi confronted the demonstrators, hurling profanities and racial slurs at them. He then brandished a glove with serrated blades, chased the demonstrators, and later attempted to run them over with his vehicle while threatening to kill them.
Assistant District Attorney Alexia Campoverde prosecuted the case under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Michael Whitney, Bureau Chief, and Executive Assistant District Attorney for Major Crimes Shawn Clark.