Two BigLaw Attorneys Shot Outside Raleigh Courthouse

Two Fox Rothschild attorneys were shot outside a Raleigh courthouse after a civil hearing.

On May 22, 2026, two attorneys were shot outside the Old Wake County Courthouse in Raleigh, North Carolina, shortly after a civil court hearing ended. Mary Harris and Jeffrey Whitley, attorneys with the national law firm Fox Rothschild, were representing the town of Rolesville in a civil lawsuit.

The suspect, 57-year-old Gwendolyn White, was a party to the same legal case. According to Raleigh Police Chief Rico Boyce, "The suspect became belligerent in court." After the hearing, White retrieved a handgun from her vehicle and shot both attorneys as they exited the courthouse.

Both victims were transported to a local hospital, though their current conditions have not been disclosed. White was taken into custody at the scene and has been charged with two counts of attempted murder.

The Old Wake County Courthouse and the adjacent Wake County Justice Center were closed for the remainder of the day following the incident.

Kandice Scarberry, a spokesperson for Rolesville, emphasized the impact on the community, stating, "Fox Rothschild has represented the Town of Rolesville for decades, and while they are not employees of the Town, this incident is deeply disturbing." Todd A. Rodriguez, Fox Rothschild’s Firmwide Managing Partner, said, "First and foremost, our thoughts are with our colleagues and their loved ones. We are doing everything possible to support them."

This rare act of violence against attorneys has intensified discussions around courthouse security and the safety protocols protecting legal professionals, especially those involved in contentious litigation.