Two people were injured in a shooting outside the Old Wake County Courthouse in Raleigh late Friday morning. Officers from the Raleigh Police Department, Wake County Sheriff’s Office, and Federal Protective Service responded to the scene shortly after 10:30 a.m.
Upon arrival, they found the victims, identified as Mary K. Harris and Jeffrey R. Whitley. The suspect, Gwendolyn White, aged 57, was apprehended at the scene and taken to the hospital. She is facing attempted murder charges.
Investigators believe all three individuals are connected to a civil court case that was scheduled for that day. Thankfully, authorities confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the community.
In light of the incident, both Wake County courthouses were closed for the rest of the day. The Wake County Register of Deeds office and the Wake County Justice Center announced their closure to ensure the safety of staff and visitors, but they noted that their e-recording services would still be available.
Incidents like this remind us of broader issues surrounding gun violence in the U.S. Statistics show that gun violence has been increasing in many urban areas. According to a recent report by the Gun Violence Archive, there were over 600 mass shootings in 2022 alone.
Community leaders often emphasize the need for better conflict resolution resources. Experts argue that offering mediation services in courthouses could prevent such dangerous confrontations. A focus on mental health support and education might also help reduce violence.
The investigation into this shooting is ongoing. Meanwhile, officials are encouraging community vigilance and involvement in creating a safer environment for everyone.
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