Body camera footage released by the WPD shows the officers’ encounter with the Rizzutis and others at the church [Editor’s note: This video contains language and behavior that some may find offensive and/or disturbing.]. The footage begins by showing Officer Cappabianca outside the church building asking Rizutti Sr. who he is and telling him to go inside. The pastor refuses, saying that the woman is his daughter and repeatedly calling Cappabianca a “tyrant.”
In the video, Cappabianca appears to push Rizzuti Jr. aside as the officer chases Rizutti Sr. into the building, which contains other people, including children, who cry out as they see what is happening. The scene turns chaotic after the chase ensues. One person says, “Hey, what are you doing?” and Rizutti Sr. ends up on the ground with Cappabianca tasing him.
At one point, someone off screen says, “Get out of my stuff.” The camera then shows Rizutti Jr., handcuffed, yelling, “She’s pregnant! What’s wrong with you?” A woman can be seen lying face-down on the ground. The incident continues with the father and son repeatedly telling officers to let them go and threatening litigation. Later, officers take Rizutti Sr. outside and search him as he continues to protest. At one point, someone tells him he needs to be quiet and that his “behavior” is being recorded.
Body Cam Footage a ‘Turning Point’
Joseph Rizutti Sr. told CBS that with the footage’s release, he is reliving the experience. “When you’ve [not] done anything wrong except voice disapproval, and then to be attacked and not be able to fight back…it’s just hard.”
CBS reports that the video was a “turning point” in the trial leading to the pastors’ acquittal. The Telegram & Gazette says that Rizutti Sr. was acquitted of “assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, assault and battery on a police officer, disturbing the peace, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.” Rizutti Jr. was acquitted of resisting arrest. Karissa Rizutti was arrested at the time of the incident, but the charges against her were dropped on Feb. 1.
A 2020 internal affairs investigation cleared officers of wrongdoing. However, on Tuesday, Nov. 15, the DOJ announced it had opened an investigation into the Worcester Police Department, although it did not mention the Rizutti case specifically. In a press release, the DOJ said:
This civil investigation will assess whether WPD engages in a pattern or practice of excessive force or engages in discriminatory policing based on race or sex. The investigation will include a comprehensive review of policies, procedures, trainings, investigatory files and data. The investigation will also include a review of WPD’s systems of accountability, including its systems to address misconduct complaints and discipline. The department will also evaluate how WPD officers interact with the public, collect evidence and complete investigations.
Cornerstone Bible Baptist Church is now located at 889 Southbridge St. in Auburn, Massachusetts. ChurchLeaders has reached out to Cornerstone and the Worcester Police Department for comment. The WPD declined to comment on pending litigation. Joseph Rizzuti Jr. responded with a lengthy statement, which can be found in the following article: “Second Generation Pastor Shares New Details, Statement on Incident When Officer Tased his Father.”
This article has been updated with responses from the Worcester Police Department and Pastor Joseph Rizzuti Jr.