OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A man charged with fatally stabbing his ex-girlfriend in Nebraska has been accused of attacking his attorney while in court.

The murder trial of Robert Grant was placed on hold Tuesday after he allegedly lunged and punched assistant public defender Doug Johnson in the head. A second public defender was knocked over in the scuffle.

Several officers entered the courtroom to subdue Grant. The court is now in recess until Wednesday morning.

Grant is also accused of punching a deputy in the head three times during a court appearance Monday.

Prosecutors say Grant stabbed 43-year-old Trudy McKee more than 40 times at an apartment last year. He has pleaded not guilty.