Legal Proceedings Under Investigation Following Courthouse Shooting in Raleigh

A disturbing incident occurred outside the old Wake County courthouse in downtown Raleigh on Friday, May 22, 2026, resulting in the shooting of two attorneys. The event has prompted an immediate investigation by local law enforcement and raised questions regarding security surrounding high-stakes legal proceedings.

Incident Overview

The two victims, identified as Mary Harris and Jeffrey Whitley, are attorneys with the national law firm Fox Rothschild. According to reports, the pair had been representing the Rolesville Police Department in a long-standing civil matter involving officer-worn body camera footage. The case, which spans four years, reportedly became a point of significant contention during a court hearing held earlier that day.

Raleigh Chief of Police Rico Boyce stated that the suspect, 57-year-old Gwendolyn White of Raleigh, became “belligerent in court” during the proceedings. White allegedly claimed that the contents of the body camera video were connected to the death of her mother, which occurred last year. Following the hearing, authorities report that White exited the building, retrieved a handgun from her vehicle and opened fire on the attorneys as they were leaving the courthouse.

Current Status of the Investigation

Gwendolyn White was taken into custody by police shortly after the shooting. She is currently facing two counts of attempted first-degree murder. The Town of Rolesville issued a statement expressing sadness regarding the incident, confirming that the victims were acting as legal counsel for the town in a civil capacity.

Regarding the condition of the victims, the father of Mary Harris informed reporters that his daughter is in stable condition and underwent surgery late Friday evening. The investigation into the shooting remains ongoing as authorities work to piece together the events that led to the violence.

Key Takeaways

• Suspect in Custody: Gwendolyn White, 57, has been charged with two counts of attempted first-degree murder.
• Victims Identified: The victims, Mary Harris and Jeffrey Whitley, are attorneys with the firm Fox Rothschild.
• Legal Context: The attorneys were representing the Rolesville Police Department in a four-year-old civil case involving police body camera footage.
• Condition: As of the latest updates, Harris is reported to be in stable condition following surgery.

Looking Forward

The shooting has drawn significant attention to the safety of legal professionals and the intensity of civil litigation. As the criminal case against White progresses through the judicial system, the Town of Rolesville and the legal community will likely continue to monitor the investigation closely. Further updates regarding the health of the victims and the legal proceedings will be provided as official information becomes available.