A Massachusetts man, identified as NICHOLAS AKERBERG, 28, of Yarmouth Port, was captured on video entering the Woburn District Court in a Boston suburb on Monday while wearing a gas mask and tactical gear. The incident, which involved the deployment of pepper spray, resulted in multiple injuries and has drawn widespread condemnation from law enforcement officials.
According to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, AKERBERG entered the courthouse and targeted several individuals, including 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 pepper spray at the officer before forcing his way inside.
Once inside, AKERBERG allegedly punched, shoved, and assaulted multiple individuals before being subdued by officers. The suspect was found in possession of eight canisters of pepper spray and two smoke canisters at the time of the attack. AKERBERG, along with the injured police officer and two court officers, were treated at a hospital and later released.
Middlesex District Attorney MARIAN RYAN strongly condemned the attack, emphasizing that it marked 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 faces a slew of charges, including 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, AKERBERG was ordered to be held without bail and to undergo a competency evaluation. He is scheduled to return to court on May 2.
This incident underscores growing concerns about security in public institutions and the need for robust measures to protect those who serve within them.
**Sources:**
[Middlesex District Attorney’s Office](https://www.middlesexda.com)
[The Associated Press](https://apnews.com)