Raleigh courthouse shooting: 2 attorneys shot after hearing; woman charged with attempted murder
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — Two attorneys were shot outside the Wake County Courthouse in downtown Raleigh on Friday following a court hearing, according to police.
Raleigh police say 57-year-old Gwendolyn White is in custody and facing attempted murder charges.
Police say all three people involved are believed to be connected to a civil court case scheduled Friday.
What police say happened
Investigators say the shooting happened shortly after a court proceeding Friday morning.
Police say White left the courthouse, went to her car, retrieved a handgun, and approached two attorneys in an alley before opening fire.
Officers and deputies nearby quickly took her into custody.
Video obtained by ABC11 shows officers escorting White after the incident.
People inside the courthouse described a sudden and unsettling scene.
“This is very wild, especially with it happening while we were in family court,” said Securia Stedman.
“To be here when something like this happens is kind of unsettling,” added Indya Strickland.
The alley where the shooting happened has since reopened after an hours-long investigation. No visible evidence of bullet damage remained at the scene Friday afternoon.
Both Wake County courthouses are closed for the remainder of the day.
Victims identified
Court documents identify the victims as attorneys Mary Harris and Jeffrey Whitley. Their names also appear on their law firm’s website.
Officials have not released details about their conditions, but both were taken to the hospital.
Police say White is also currently hospitalized. It’s unclear why.
Investigation continues
Police say the suspect and victims were inside the courthouse earlier in the day before the shooting. Authorities have not released additional details about what led up to the incident.
ABC11 is working to learn more about the victims’ conditions and will provide updates as they become available.
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