Assailant storms Mass. courthouse in gas mask, tactical gear and pepper sprays, assaults several victims: video
Share and Follow

An attacker wearing a gas mask entered a Massachusetts courthouse on Monday and went on a rampage. The individual pepper-sprayed officers and attacked bystanders randomly in a disturbing incident that was captured on camera.

Nicholas Akerberg, 28, showed up to the Woburn District Court in the Boston suburbs locked and loaded with a gas mask, tactical boots, and sunglasses before he barged inside, according to police and security footage.

As he approached the court entrance, Akerberg fired pepper spray at an officer while she was trying to close the door on him. Despite her efforts, he pushed past her, dousing her in even more pepper spray before sprinting past the metal detector and into the courthouse lobby, the footage shows.

He managed to punch, push, and assault several bystanders in the process.

It took six officers and a taser to subdue him, according to the video.

In total, Akerberg had eight canisters of pepper spray and two smoke canisters with him, the Middlesex district attorney’s office said.

He was arrested and taken for a mental health evaluation at Bridgewater State Hospital, according to police.

He has an extensive history of rocky mental health, including five prior court-mandated commitments to mental health institutions, according to court documents obtained by CBS News.

In 2023, Akerberg was arrested for punching a 67-year-old neighbor. He also attacked police officers with pepper spray in 2024 while resisting arrest for assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and violation of a protection order, the outlet reported.

For Monday’s court rampage, he was charged with six counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and several other charges, the district attorney’s office said.

Akerberg was ordered held at a Monday arraignment, and his bail was revoked. He is due back in court on May 2.

With Post wires.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Nick Reiner hires high-profile defense attorney after arrest for parents' murder

Nick Reiner Retains Prominent Defense Attorney Following Arrest in Parents’ Murder Case

The legal landscape surrounding Nick Reiner, who faces grave accusations of murdering…
Gwyneth Paltrow joined by Apple and Moses on rare red carpet together

Gwyneth Paltrow Makes a Stylish Red Carpet Appearance with Children Apple and Moses: A Rare Family Outing

Gwyneth Paltrow was accompanied by her grown children at the New York…
Luigi Mangione smiles for cameras in court as defense claims police violated his rights

Luigi Mangione Grins in Court Amidst Allegations of Police Misconduct: A Legal Battle Unfolds

NEW YORK — Luigi Mangione beamed for the photographers as he returned…
'Older' Brown building where shooting happened had no cameras as president’s even older home appears equipped

President’s Historic Home Boasts Security Cameras, Unlike Scene of Recent Shooting

The section of Brown University’s Barus & Holley engineering and physics building,…
MIT professor shot dead in Brookline home, Massachusetts State Police launch homicide investigation

MIT Professor Fatally Shot in Brookline Residence; Massachusetts State Police Initiate Homicide Investigation

Authorities have launched a homicide investigation following the fatal shooting of a…
Pro-life leader praises Vatican's 'inspiring' anti-abortion Nativity scene: 'It's really beautiful'

Vatican’s Powerful Anti-Abortion Nativity Scene Garners High Praise from Pro-Life Leaders

The Vatican’s latest Nativity scene has received praise from the head of…
The hotel room Nick Reiner left 'covered in blood'

Shocking Incident: Hotel Room Left ‘Covered in Blood’ by Nick Reiner

Exclusive images acquired by the Daily Mail have unveiled the shocking state…
Dramatic new footage shows moment cops arrest Nick Reiner

Newly Released Footage Captures the Arrest of Nick Reiner by Police

Stunning new video captures the tense moment when police apprehended Nick Reiner,…