A man stormed into a Lower Manhattan courthouse on Monday morning and launched a violent attack, slashing two court officers and pushing another during a brief but terrifying incident.
The suspect, 37-year-old Jonathan Wohl from Queens, entered the lobby of the Manhattan Criminal Court at 100 Centre Street around 9:30 a.m. and suddenly attacked without warning. He reportedly used a sharp object to cut one officer on the face and another on the neck, then shoved a third officer into a barrier before running off.
Officers managed to subdue and arrest Wohl on the fourth floor of the building. Authorities confirmed that he had no court hearing that day, and his reason for the attack remains unclear.
Wohl has a lengthy criminal history, with 18 previous arrests, mainly related to drugs. Only three of those cases are still active.
Sources revealed that Wohl is a familiar figure at the courthouse and has previously harassed court officers. One officer told reporters that Wohl had once threatened to kill them.
The incident has raised concerns about safety in New York’s courthouses, especially with current reports pointing to reduced staffing levels. The New York State Supreme Court Officers Association recently warned that the shortage of personnel could put the safety of judges, jurors, and the public at risk.
