diff --git a/notebook/services/kernels/handlers.py b/notebook/services/kernels/handlers.py
index 6c9a60e31c..dd8e316eef 100644
--- a/notebook/services/kernels/handlers.py
+++ b/notebook/services/kernels/handlers.py
@@ -79,7 +79,7 @@ class KernelActionHandler(APIHandler):
     def post(self, kernel_id, action):
         km = self.kernel_manager
         if action == 'interrupt':
-            km.interrupt_kernel(kernel_id)
+            km.get_kernel(kernel_id).interrupt()
             self.set_status(204)
         if action == 'restart':
 
diff --git a/notebook/services/kernels/kernelmanager.py b/notebook/services/kernels/kernelmanager.py
index 70553de49a..a205d9332f 100644
--- a/notebook/services/kernels/kernelmanager.py
+++ b/notebook/services/kernels/kernelmanager.py
@@ -73,6 +73,9 @@ def shutdown(self, now=False):
         self.manager.cleanup()
         self.stop_buffering()
 
+    def interrupt(self):
+        self.manager.interrupt()
+
     def _handle_kernel_restarted(self):
         self.manager = self.restarter.kernel_manager
         # TODO: connection_info