Knife Attack at Manhattan Courthouse: Suspect Faces Serious Charges

A shocking act of violence erupted in a Manhattan courthouse when a knife-wielding assailant launched a brazen attack on court officers. The suspect, with a history of antagonizing law enforcement, now faces serious attempted murder charges after slashing multiple officers in what prosecutors describe as a targeted assault.

At a glance:

• Jonathan Wohl, 37, pleaded not guilty to two counts of first-degree attempted murder for stabbing three officers

• The attack occurred June 16 in the Manhattan Criminal Courthouse lobby, leaving officers with injuries to the face, neck, and back

• Wohl was ordered held without bail by Judge Michele Rodney

• The courthouse was the same building where President Trump’s criminal trial took place

• The suspect allegedly has a history of antagonizing law enforcement

Brazen Attack on Law Enforcement

The violent incident unfolded on June 16 shortly before 9:45 am inside the lobby of the Manhattan Criminal Courthouse. Security cameras captured the moment when 37-year-old Jonathan Wohl allegedly charged at uniformed officers working security details near the building’s south entrance.

On June 16, 2025, Jonathan Wohl, a 37-year-old from Queens, barged into Manhattan Criminal Court at 100 Centre St. around 9:30 a.m. and attacked three court officers. He slashed one officer twice in the face, another in the neck, and shoved a third into a barrier in the lobby.… pic.twitter.com/mJNqm41KSX

— NewsTimeLive (@NewsTimeLive) June 16, 2025

Wohl reportedly brandished a folding knife during the assault, inflicting serious wounds to one officer’s face and neck. The attack occurred beyond the court’s metal detectors, raising questions about how the weapon made it into the secure facility.

Several court officers quickly subdued the assailant near a bank of magnetometers, disarming him and taking him into custody. Prosecutors noted the attack could have been even more devastating if a straight-edge blade had been used instead of a folding knife.

“This type of conduct is not going to be tolerated in Manhattan.” – D.A. Bragg. Watch here as D.A. Bragg addresses the indictment of Jonathan Wohl for an alleged calculated attack on New York State Court Officers. pic.twitter.com/UyKRzcBr02

— Alvin Bragg (@ManhattanDA) July 3, 2025

Officers Injured, Suspect Charged

One officer suffered severe lacerations to his face, neck, and back during the violent confrontation. A sergeant responding to the scene sustained broken ribs, while another officer was left with significant bruising after helping to subdue the attacker.

“Court officers have the incredibly challenging job of keeping everyone in our courthouses safe, including judges, staff, attorneys, victims, witnesses, the public, and those facing criminal charges,” Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg stated. “We have absolutely no tolerance for any attack on their safety, and the significant charges in this indictment reflect the seriousness with which we are treating this matter.”

One injured officer was able to walk to an ambulance under his own power, while another required a wheelchair. Both officers are reportedly in stable condition and expected to recover from their injuries.

Court Proceedings and Law Enforcement Support

The courtroom was filled with uniformed officers showing solidarity with their injured colleagues when Wohl appeared for arraignment. Judge Michele Rodney ordered the defendant held without bail, recognizing the severity of the charges and potential threat to public safety.

The attack took place in the same courthouse where President Donald Trump’s criminal trial was recently held. This high-profile location has been the site of numerous iconic trials and typically maintains strict security protocols.

Wohl, who allegedly has a documented history of antagonizing law enforcement, is scheduled to return to court on October 9. The New York State Unified Court System has launched a comprehensive criminal investigation into the incident and security failures that may have contributed to the breach.