Video: Man in Gas Mask Uses Pepper Spray while Storming Mass. Courthouse
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By Rick Sobey
Source Boston Herald
A 28-year-old man is facing several charges after he allegedly deployed pepper spray and assaulted people in Woburn District Court on Monday (April 14).
Nicholas Akerberg, of Yarmouth Port, reportedly entered the lobby of Woburn District Court wearing a helmet, gas mask, tactical boots and sunglasses at around 10:30 a.m. He allegedly had eight canisters of pepper spray and two smoke canisters.
A court officer and others tried to prevent him from entering the courthouse. But after he got inside, Akerberg is accused of deploying pepper spray at multiple court officers, a Stoneham police officer and an assistant district attorney.
He also allegedly punched, shoved and assaulted multiple people.
The police officer, court officers and additional responding officers eventually subdued him after they deployed a Taser, and he was placed under arrest.
The court shut down for a few hours following the incident.
“I want to condemn today’s attack on the Court, the Court staff and the Justice system in the strongest possible terms,” Middlesex DA Marian Ryan said in a statement. “Courts are sacred, hallowed places.
“Today’s assault was the third serious incident at a courthouse since March 10, 2025,” Ryan continued. “These are not just acts of violence, they are challenges to the rule of law and to peaceful, orderly dispute resolution. 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. Today is a critical reminder of the need to foster respect for our courts and our dedicated court staffs.”
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.
Akerberg, the police officer and two court officers were transported to an area hospital, and they were later released.
At his arraignment, Akerberg was ordered held pending a dangerousness hearing, and his bail was also revoked on open cases before Woburn District Court. He was ordered to undergo a competency evaluation.
The next date in this case is May 2.
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