In a startling courtroom incident, a knifeman charged with critically injuring officers inside a Manhattan courthouse has pleaded not guilty to attempted murder, leaving many questioning the robustness of courthouse security protocols.
At a Glance
- Jonathan Wohl, 37, is charged with stabbing three officers in a Manhattan courthouse.
- Two counts of first-degree attempted murder are being pursued.
- Wohl allegedly has a history of antagonizing law enforcement.
- Remaining in custody without bail, Wohl is scheduled to return to court on October 9.
Alarm in Manhattan Criminal Courthouse
Inside the bustling hub of justice, the Manhattan Criminal Courthouse, chaos broke out when Jonathan Wohl allegedly attacked three officers with a folding knife on June 16. Reports state that the brutal attack caused significant injuries, including one officer receiving critical wounds to his face and neck. Law enforcement quickly apprehended Wohl, though the aftermath left two officers in stable condition, one requiring assistance to leave the scene.
NEW: Knife-wielding New York man slashes two officers in a Manhattan courthouse, hits one in the neck and the other in the face in footage obtained by the New York Post.
The suspect has been identified as 37-year-old Jonathan Wohl.
To no one's surprise, Wohl has 18 prior… pic.twitter.com/y7YtKOJFgI
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) June 16, 2025
The incident, alarmingly caught on camera, set the halls echoing with concern for the safety of those stationed at the courthouse. Prosecutors have described this as a targeted attack focused on uniformed officers responsible for courthouse security. This shocking breach occurred just beyond metal detectors, leading to pressing questions about existing security measures and how the knife entered the lobby unnoticed.
Watch a report: Knife-wielding maniac ambushes Manhattan court officers
A Courtroom Rallying Point
Evident from the packed courthouse where Wohl stood charged, the solidarity of the law enforcement community was on full display. Uniformed officers flocked to show unwavering support for their injured colleagues. Judge Michele Rodney responded to the severity of Wohl’s actions by ordering he be held without bail.
The charging of Wohl with two counts of first-degree attempted murder signifies the gravity with which Manhattan prosecutors are treating this case. “We have absolutely no tolerance for any attack on their safety,” affirmed District Attorney Alvin Bragg. Prosecutors reiterated the incident’s potential to have been even deadlier had a straight-edge blade been used.
Renewed Call for Security Enhancements
The implications of this violent episode extend beyond the immediate injuries. DA Alvin Bragg acknowledged the crucial job law enforcement undertakes in maintaining courthouse safety for everyone present, from judges to the public and those facing charges. As Wohl awaits his next court date on October 9, calls for tighter security and vigilant measures continue.
As investigations continue, the incident challenges perceptions of security in places meant to be bastions of justice. The case serves as a reminder that our judicial process’s integrity hinges on both the enforcement of stringent safety policies and the culture of accountability upheld within its walls.
