WAKE COUNTY, NC - Two attorneys representing the Rolesville Police Department (RPD) are expected to be OK after they were shot outside the old Wake County courthouse in downtown Raleigh on Friday morning, May 22.
The alleged suspect, 57-year-old Gwendolyn White, has been charged with two counts of attempted first-degree murder in connection with the shootings of Mary Harris and Jeffrey Whitley, WRAL reported. Harris is an associate and Whitley counsel for Fox Rothschild, a national law firm with offices in Raleigh.
Harris' father said that his daughter was in stable condition and recovering from surgery. Court records show the Fox Rothschild attorneys were representing RPD in a four-year-old case involving officer-worn body camera video.
Court filings show that the hearing was emotional for White because she claims the contents of the video were linked to her mother's death last year. "The suspect became belligerent in court," Raleigh Chief of Police Rico Boyce said. After White left the courthouse, she returned to her car, got a handgun and shot at the attorneys as they exited the building, Boyce said.
Police quickly took White into custody. According to the Town of Rolesville, Whitley and Harris were representing Rolesville in a civil case at the time of the shooting, CBS17 reported. "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,” the town said in a statement.
"Fox Rothschild has represented the Town of Rolesville for decades and while they are not employees of the town, this incident is deeply disturbing. We are thankful to the first responders who provided life-saving care and apprehended a suspect,” the statement continues. “Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved."
Managing partner with Fox Rothschild, Todd A. Rodriguez, also released a statement. "First and foremost, our thoughts are with our colleagues and their loved ones. We are doing everything possible to support them. We are grateful to the first responders and courthouse personnel who acted quickly to come to their aid."
"We cannot adequately express our deep sadness and concern. The safety and well-being of our people is our highest priority. We are closely monitoring the situation, and our leadership team traveled to our Raleigh office today to provide on-the-ground support," the statement added.
Incoming District Attorney Wiley Nickel also said the courthouse "should be a safe place for victims, witnesses, law enforcement, court employees and all those seeking justice."
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