A 57-year-old woman opened fire on two attorneys outside a North Carolina courthouse Friday morning, leaving both victims hospitalized in what police describe as a premeditated attack linked to a civil lawsuit over her mother’s death.

Deliberate Attack Outside Wake County Courthouse

Gwendolyn White faces attempted first-degree murder charges after shooting Mary Harris and Jeffrey Whitley of Fox Rothschild law firm outside the old Wake County courthouse in Raleigh. Police Chief Rico Boyce reported that White became disruptive during a court hearing, left the building, then returned and waited for the attorneys to emerge. She exited her vehicle, approached both victims, and opened fire in broad daylight before officers took her into custody.

Both attorneys work for Fox Rothschild, a national law firm that has represented the Town of Rolesville for decades. The victims were defending the Rolesville Police Department in a civil case involving officer body camera footage. White, the plaintiff in that case, alleges the disputed footage relates to her mother’s death. By Friday evening, both attorneys remained hospitalized in stable condition and were reportedly recovering from their injuries.

Courthouse Lockdown and Security Concerns

Witnesses inside the courthouse heard yelling followed by multiple gunshots, prompting sheriff’s deputies to immediately lock down the building. Defense attorney Lee Turner, who witnessed the aftermath, expressed growing concerns about courthouse security. He questioned whether attorneys must now worry that argumentative clients might retrieve weapons from their vehicles and ambush legal professionals outside the building. The incident has sparked discussions about safety protocols for lawyers handling contentious civil and criminal cases.

Official Responses and Community Impact

Fox Rothschild released a statement expressing deep sadness and emphasizing that employee safety remains their highest priority. The Town of Rolesville issued its own statement noting the disturbing nature of the attack, clarifying that while the attorneys represent the town, they are not municipal employees. The shooting marks a troubling escalation in courthouse violence, raising questions about security measures for legal professionals who regularly handle emotionally charged cases involving police conduct, family disputes, and other sensitive matters that can provoke extreme reactions from dissatisfied litigants.