George Floyd death: Man who charged New York protesters with 'Wolverine' knife claw arrested

Footage shows Cavalluzzi threatening to kill protesters while brandishing knives. Photo / Facebook

A man seen on video charging protesters in New York while wearing a glove with four long, serrated-edged blades has surrendered to authorities, the Queens district attorney said Thursday night (US time).

People were peacefully gathering on the overpass above the Cross Island Parkway when Frank Cavalluzzi, 54, jumped out of a vehicle on Tuesday afternoon, shouting "I will kill you," and chasing protesters while wearing the knife-claw glove, a press release from the office of District Attorney Melinda Katz said.

He then got back into his vehicle and drove on a sidewalk, nearly running over the demonstrators, the release said.

Frank Cavalluzzi, 54, has been charged with attempted murder for attacking protesters. Photo / Facebook

Demonstrators protesting over the death of George Floyd had been in the area hanging up Black Lives Matter signs and rallying after someone earlier this week was caught on camera ripping one down at the location, the New York Post reported. Floyd, a black man, died on Memorial Day after a white Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee onto the back of Floyd's neck.

Cavalluzzi turned himself in on Thursday morning and was arraigned on charges of second-degree attempted murder, multiple degrees of attempted assault, reckless endangerment and other offences.

The judge set bail at US$100,000 (NZ$154,000). Cavalluzzi faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted, the release said. It was unclear whether Cavalluzzi had retained an attorney.

Footage shows Cavalluzzi threatening to kill protesters while brandishing knives. Photo / Facebook

"In a burst of anger and rage, this defendant allegedly sought to kill protesters who were peacefully assembled and exercising their right to free speech," Katz said, adding it was "amazing" no one was injured.

- AP