Man arrested after stabbing two court officers in NYC courthouse

On the morning of June 16, 2025, two court security officers were stabbed in an incident described by officials as a targeted attack at a Manhattan courthouse in New York City. The violent episode occurred around 9:45 a.m. while the officers were working their security details at the lobby. The officers were stationed at the metal detectors when the assailant charged at them, resulting in one officer being slashed in the face and another stabbed in the neck. Surveillance footage of the attack showed the suspect running into the lobby and attacking the officers with a knife he had taken out from a bag. Following the attack, other court officers responded quickly, subduing and disarming the assailant before he could inflict further harm. Both injured officers were promptly transported to local hospitals and were reported to be in stable condition, although one sustained significant injuries to vital areas like the face and neck. The incident was shocking not only for the affected officers but also for the court staff, given that attacks of this nature are extremely rare in that environment. The area where the attack occurred had metal detectors in place, raising questions about how the assailant was able to bring the weapon into the secure vicinity. Authorities have revealed that the suspect had a history of 18 prior arrests, including incidents related to assaulting an officer, and is considered to be emotionally disturbed. It was also noted that he had prior interactions at the courthouse but did not have a scheduled hearing on the day of the attack. The President of the New York State Supreme Court Officers Association expressed concerns about the safety of court personnel, emphasizing that understaffing might be a contributing factor to such occurrences. The situation has prompted calls for enhanced safety measures at courthouses to protect both judicial staff members and the public. Officials are currently conducting a criminal investigation into the incident. The ongoing discourse raises vital questions about security at judicial facilities, with court leaders urged to take decisive actions to ensure a safer environment for all. As communities reflect on this terrifying event, the need for updated security protocols aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future becomes increasingly critical.