Brade
A Massachusetts man, identified as NICHOLAS AKERBERG, 28, of Yarmouth Port, was captured on video Monday storming into the Woburn District Court in a Boston suburb while wearing a gas mask and tactical gear, where he allegedly attacked several individuals with pepper spray. The incident, which unfolded in broad daylight, has raised concerns about courthouse security and public safety.
According to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, AKERBERG entered the courthouse and deployed pepper spray at multiple court officers, a police officer, and an assistant district attorney. Security footage shows the suspect, clad in a helmet, gas mask, tactical boots, and sunglasses, approaching the building as a court officer opened the front door. The video then captures AKERBERG spraying the officer with pepper spray before forcing his way inside.
Once inside, AKERBERG allegedly punched, shoved, and assaulted several individuals before being subdued by courthouse officers. The suspect was found in possession of eight canisters of pepper spray and two smoke canisters at the time of the attack.
AKERBERG, the police officer, and two court officers were treated at a local hospital and later released.
Middlesex District Attorney MARIAN RYAN condemned the attack, emphasizing that this was the third serious incident at the courthouse since March 10. “These are not just acts of violence, they are challenges to the rule of law and to peaceful, orderly dispute resolution,” RYAN stated. “The rule of law is not a fancy academic concept; it is the foundation of our democracy. Anyone who desecrates these sacred places will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
AKERBERG was charged with six counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, five counts of assault and battery on a public employee, two counts of assault and battery on a police officer, assault, disrupting a court proceeding, disorderly conduct, bomb threat, and intimidation. During his arraignment on Monday, he was ordered to be held without bail and to undergo a competency evaluation. He is scheduled to return to court on May 2.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
[Source: Middlesex District Attorney’s Office](https://www.middlesexda.com)
[Source: The Associated Press](https://apnews.com)
