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Akerberg was ordered held at a Monday arraignment, and his bail was revoked.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
Fa La La Fabulous Holiday Market brings spirit, locals vendors to Chicago's North Halsted neighborhood

Discover the Festive Charm of Chicago’s North Halsted Holiday Market with Local Vendors

CHICAGO (WLS) — The holiday spirit arrived early in Chicago as the…
Marjorie Taylor Greene gets pipe bomb threat and hoax pizza deliveries

Marjorie Taylor Greene Targeted with Pipe Bomb Threat and Prank Pizza Deliveries

Marjorie Taylor Greene has claimed she received a pipe bomb threat and…
Woman decked out in designer threads accused of defrauding restaurants

Fashionably Fraudulent: Designer-Clad Woman Charged with Restaurant Scam

A woman with a taste for high-end fashion is facing allegations of…
Ukrainian major urges US to send Tomahawks as clashes with Russian forces intensify

Ukrainian Commander Calls for US Tomahawks Amid Escalating Conflict with Russia

EXCLUSIVE: As fierce battles between Russian and Ukrainian forces rage on in…
Trump fans conspiracy theories saying 'things' added to Epstein files

Trump Fuels Speculation: Claims ‘Things’ Were Added to Epstein Documents Sparks Conspiracy Theories

During a recent discussion aboard Air Force One, Donald Trump hinted that…
Plaques unveiled by Andrew on the Falkland Islands are removed

Falkland Islands Remove Plaques Unveiled by Prince Andrew: What Happened?

Following the tarnished reputation of former prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, four commemorative plaques…
Trump issues new pardons for Jan. 6 rioters

Trump Grants Additional Pardons to January 6 Participants

Over the weekend, former President Trump issued pardons to two individuals involved…
Stars of Disney's 'Zootopia 2' take over Hollywood for world premiere

Disney’s ‘Zootopia 2’ Cast Shines at Star-Studded Hollywood World Premiere

LOS ANGELES — It truly felt like a “zoo” in Hollywood this…