A civil case in North Carolina turned criminal when, immediately after the proceedings ended, 57-year-old Gwendolyn White allegedly shot two attorneys involved in the lawsuit. White had reportedly been “belligerent in court,” but few could have anticipated that the situation would escalate so dramatically outside the courthouse once the hearing concluded.
According to ABC, there is still very little information regarding White’s motive or even the details of the underlying civil case. Raleigh Police Chief Rico Boyce was, however, able to confirm that the two attorneys represented the town of Rolesville and that White was involved in the case in some capacity. Initially, there was no indication whether the shooting stemmed from frustration over the outcome of the case, mental health issues, or another factor.
Boyce told reporters that officers were able to apprehend the suspect while she was still in possession of the weapon. The police chief said, “When deputies and officers came out of the courthouse, they encountered an adult female who was in possession of a handgun. That female was taken into custody.”
According to preliminary findings, the shooting occurred on Friday, May 29, at approximately 10:30 a.m. outside the Old Wake County Courthouse, moments after the case had concluded. Investigators say White initially left the courthouse but returned shortly afterward. She then allegedly exited her vehicle while armed, approached the two attorneys, and shot them at close range.
Boyce revealed officers arriving at the scene found both victims suffering from gunshot wounds. While the attorneys’ conditions were not immediately disclosed, police confirmed that they were transported to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment.
Several days later, on June 2, more details emerged regarding White’s reported behavior in court. According to WRAL News, a courtroom recording captured a woman shouting as she left the proceedings, “I’m going after you. I’m going completely after you, all the way up to the top. I promise you that. And I’m going to get her. See ya!”
Reports indicate that White was upset after her attorney withdrew from the case. She also allegedly accused the judge of being in “cahoots with the KKK” and demanded that the judge recuse herself from the proceedings.
According to the later report, the two attorneys were identified as Mary Harris and Jeffrey Whitley of Fox Rothschild. Raleigh police further alleged that White had previously come to their attention as a potential threat following incidents involving Duke Raleigh Hospital.
Authorities also released documents indicating that White had made calls to medical facilities containing threats of carrying out a mass shooting. Police stated that White “is believed to be experiencing a severe mental crisis and has an extensive mental health history.”
Court records further showed that White had filed 16 civil lawsuits over a 17-year period. According to a former attorney familiar with her legal history, “the court system was getting sick of her coming in and demanding action.” The attorney added that White appeared to be in need of mental health treatment.
Published: Jun 4, 2026 12:57 pm