Erik Van Conover, a popular New York-based YouTube personality, made headlines this week after a shocking courtroom outburst during his arraignment in New Hampshire. Van Conover faces attempted murder charges for allegedly striking a police officer with his car during a high-speed chase. However, his behavior in court raised even more eyebrows as he defiantly challenged the charges and lashed out at the possibility of a mental competency evaluation.
“I have everything right here, and it’s all falsified,” Van Conover declared in court, accusing police of fabricating evidence. His tirade escalated as he warned, “If anyone dares try to test my mental competence, I will eviscerate every single person with my intelligence right now. And that’s not being egotistical.” The bizarre statement left many questioning his state of mind, especially given the severity of the charges against him.
According to police reports, the incident began when Van Conover was allegedly caught speeding at 55 mph in a 35-mph zone. After an eight-mile pursuit, he reportedly stopped before suddenly accelerating toward an officer, striking him in the leg. He then allegedly fled again, leading police on a 28-mile chase before spike strips finally disabled his vehicle. The entire pursuit spanned 38 miles before his arrest.
Carroll County Attorney Keith Blair emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “You know, the state’s position is that when a law enforcement officer signals for you to pull over and stop, you should do so.”
YouTuber starts crying after being charged with attempted m*rder, says he is innocent because he has a lot of YouTube subscribers.
This has to be one of the best news clips I've ever seen.
Erik Van Conover was charged with attempted m*rder for allegedly trying to run over a… pic.twitter.com/YNOHOE3Jnn
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) March 24, 2025
Legal experts were stunned by Van Conover’s combative courtroom demeanor, with many wondering why his attorney didn’t intervene to prevent the outburst. Defiantly challenging a judge and threatening to “eviscerate” those questioning his mental fitness is hardly a strategic move—especially when facing attempted murder charges.