A disturbing security breach unfolded at Manhattan Criminal Court on Monday morning, June 16, 2025, when a man stormed the courthouse and violently attacked two court officers, law enforcement sources confirm.
Jonathan Wohl, 37, of Queens, burst into the lobby at 100 Centre Street around 9:30 a.m., wielding a sharp object. Without warning, he slashed one officer twice in the face and cut another across the neck, before shoving a third officer into a barrier inside the main lobby.
Wohl was eventually subdued and arrested on the fourth floor of the courthouse. Authorities revealed that he had no scheduled court appearance that day, and the motive for the unprovoked attack remains unclear.
Sources disclosed that Wohl is a known figure to law enforcement, with 18 prior arrests—most involving drug-related offenses. However, only three of these cases remain active. One court insider described Wohl as a recurring nuisance within the courthouse.
“He’s always harassing the court officers,” the source told The New York Post. “He said he wanted to k!ll them.”
The violent incident has renewed concerns over courthouse safety, especially as the New York State Supreme Court Officers Association warned of dangerously low staffing levels, which they describe as “bleak.” Critics argue that such shortages could leave judges, jurors, and the public at risk of similar violent outbursts.
Both injured officers were treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Wohl remains in custody as investigations continue.
