UMVA has learned that a shocking incident of violence has unfolded outside the old Wake County courthouse in Raleigh, North Carolina, leaving two attorneys fighting for their lives.
Gwendolyn White, 57, has been taken into custody on attempted murder charges after she allegedly opened fire on Mary Harris and Jeffrey Whitley, attorneys from a national law firm, in broad daylight. The attorneys were representing the Rolesville Police Department in a case involving officer-worn body camera video, which White claims is linked to the death of her mother.
According to information obtained by UMVA, White became increasingly disruptive during a hearing, and witnesses describe her as becoming agitated before she suddenly left and returned to carry out the attack. The Raleigh Police Chief described the scene, saying, "The suspect got out of the vehicle, approached the two victims, [and] shot both victims."
Video footage from the scene shows White being led away in handcuffs as authorities worked to secure the area. The two attorneys were rushed to the hospital and were reportedly in stable condition on Friday evening, their lives forever changed by the senseless act of violence.
The law firm representing the Rolesville Police Department expressed deep concern for the well-being of its employees, stating, "We cannot adequately express our deep sadness and concern. The safety and well-being of our people is our highest priority." The Town of Rolesville also released a statement, saying, "We are saddened to learn that two attorneys representing the Town of Rolesville in a civil matter were shot outside the Wake County Courthouse this morning."
UMVA can exclusively reveal that the incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, with many left wondering if such violence could happen again. A defense attorney noted that the incident would likely lead to increased concerns about safety, saying, "Now, when you hear those threats, or you see someone arguing out in the lobby with their lawyer, which that does happen a lot, you've got to wonder, are they going to run out to their car and wait for that lawyer to walk out of the courthouse?"
