An indictment has been announced by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr. for Jonathan Wohl, 37, who allegedly launched a violent attack against New York State Court Officers at the Manhattan Criminal Courthouse. Wohl is facing multiple charges, including two counts of Attempted Murder in the First Degree and three counts of Attempted Aggravated Assault Upon a Police Officer, among others, the Manhattan District Attorney's Office reported.
The incident occurred on the morning of June 16, when Wohl, carrying a bag, entered the courthouse and passed the security checkpoint. Court documents reveal that, after momentarily distracting the nearest court officer, Wohl charged the metal detectors and pulled out a folding knife, wounding the officer on his face and forcing him backward. Wohl then proceeded to attack a second court officer, resulting in additional injuries. According to the District Attorney's office, the officers' injuries were less severe thanks to protective vests and the curved nature of the blade used in the assault.
In a statement, District Attorney Bragg expressed zero tolerance for attacks against court officers, emphasizing their critical role in maintaining safety within courthouses. "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," Bragg said, according to the Manhattan District Attorney's Office.
The defendant was found in possession of notes that suggested a deep animosity towards the court system, judges, prosecutors, and police. The significant charges in the indictment, as pointed out by D.A. Bragg, reflect this serious demeanor that Wohl reportedly harbored. The prosecution of the case involves Assistant D.A.s Taylor Holland and Katelyn Damanis, under the leadership of higher-ups within the Trial Bureau 60, as well as investigative assistance from Daniel Walker and Justin Reid. D.A. Bragg also extended his gratitude to Detective David Esparragoza of the NYPD's 5th Precinct Squad and the court officers who intervened during the attack.
