An individual has been charged and detained following an alleged attack with physical force and pepper spray at a courthouse in Woburn on Monday morning. Nicholas Akerberg, 28, from Yarmouth Port, is facing nearly 20 criminal charges in relation to the incident that took place at Woburn District Court, as reported by the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office.
Akerberg reportedly arrived at the courthouse at approximately 10:30 a.m. wearing a gas mask, helmet, tactical boots, and sunglasses. Despite attempts by a court officer and others, they failed to prevent him from entering the lobby. Once inside, Akerberg used pepper spray against several court officers, a Stoneham police officer, and an assistant district attorney.
The suspect was also accused of punching and shoving multiple individuals before being subdued by at least three officers using a Taser. Four people, including two court officers, the police officer, and Akerberg, were taken to the hospital and later discharged that same afternoon. Authorities discovered eight pepper spray canisters and two smoke cans in Akerberg’s possession.
A statement from District Attorney Marian Ryan expressed strong condemnation of the attack, emphasizing the sanctity of court spaces and the importance of upholding the rule of law and peaceful dispute resolution. Ryan noted that this incident is the third serious court-related attack since March 2025.
Akerberg has been charged with multiple counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, assault and battery on a public employee, assault and battery on a police officer, as well as charges of assault, disrupting a court proceeding, disorderly conduct, bomb threat, and intimidation. Following his arraignment on Monday, he was ordered to remain in custody pending a dangerousness hearing, and his bail on open cases was revoked. A competency evaluation was also mandated. Akerberg’s subsequent court appearance is scheduled for May 2.
The Human Angle
Incidents like the one involving Nicholas Akerberg underscore the potential vulnerabilities within public institutions and the critical need for heightened security measures. For the community, such occurrences can heighten anxiety and fear, impacting individuals’ sense of safety and trust in the judicial system. This event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of reinforcing security protocols to protect court staff and the public.
For those working within the legal and judicial system, this incident emphasizes the need for continuous training and preparedness to handle unexpected threats. It also highlights the need for a supportive environment where court staff can feel secure while fulfilling their duties. Additionally, this situation may prompt discussions about mental health evaluations and support systems for individuals involved in violent incidents, ensuring that adequate resources are available both for offenders and those affected by their actions.