On May 16, 2025, U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra Jr. denied Luke Wenke’s motion to stay enforcement of the court’s commitment order while Wenke pursued an appeal. The underlying April 23 order committed Wenke to the custody of the Attorney General for hospitalization and treatment in a suitable facility.

In evaluating Wenke’s request, the court considered his likelihood of succeeding on appeal, potential irreparable injury, harm to the government, and the public interest. The court concluded that all of the relevant factors weighed against granting a stay.

The decision cited testimony from Dr. Corey M. Leidenfrost, who assessed Wenke as presenting a high risk of future violence, serious physical harm, and imminent violence associated with an underlying mental disease or defect. The order also noted testimony concerning Wenke’s need for treatment, his lack of insight into his symptoms, and the likelihood that he would refuse psychiatric medication.

Judge Sinatra further determined that enforcing the commitment order was intended to provide Wenke access to appropriate care and treatment and that delaying it would conflict with the government’s public-safety interests. The court noted that Wenke was scheduled for release from custody no later than October 2025 and concluded that receiving treatment in a suitable facility before his release served the public interest.

The motion to stay the commitment order pending appeal was therefore denied.