DA: man deploys pepper spray, assaults officers at Massachusetts courthouse
WOBURN, MA (WGGB/WSHM) – A man is facing several charges after allegedly deploying pepper spray and assaulting several people at a Massachusetts courthouse.
The Middlesex District Attorney’s Office said that, around 10:30 a.m. Monday, a suspect, identified as 28-year-old Nicholas Akerberg of Yarmouth Port, walked toward the entrance to Woburn District Court while allegedly wearing a helmet, gas mask, tactical boots, and sunglasses.
A court officer and others tried to stop Akerberg from entering the building, but he was able to get in. Once inside the courthouse, he allegedly deployed pepper spray at several court officers, a Stoneham police officer, and an assistant district attorney, as well as allegedly punched, shoved, and assaulted several people.
After deploying a Taser, authorities were able to subdue Akerberg and take him into custody. “The subsequent investigation revealed that the defendant had eight canisters of pepper spray and two smoke canisters in his possession,” the D.A.’s office added.
Akerberg is facing several 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. He was arraigned Monday where he was ordered to undergo a competency evaluation and be held pending a dangerousness hearing. His bail was also revoked on cases that were open at Woburn District Court.
Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan said in a statement:
“I want to condemn today’s attack on the Court, the Court staff and the Justice system in the strongest possible terms. Courts are sacred, hallowed places.
Today’s assault was the third serious incident at a courthouse since March 10, 2025. 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, the Stoneham police officer, and the court officers were taken to an area hospital and were treated and released.
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