A North Carolina woman is facing attempted murder charges after allegedly opening fire on two attorneys right outside a courthouse Friday morning, moments after a heated civil case involving her had concluded.

According to Raleigh Police Chief Rico Boyce, the suspect became “belligerent in court” during the hearing at the Old Wake County Courthouse. After the proceedings ended, she left the building, retrieved her vehicle, returned to the scene, and then approached the two victims before shooting them both.

The victims were attorneys representing the town of Rolesville in the same lawsuit. Both were rushed to a local hospital with gunshot wounds. Their current conditions have not been released.

Police identified the suspect as 57-year-old Gwendolyn White. She was taken into custody at the scene and transported to a hospital for treatment. Attempted murder charges are pending.

The shooting occurred shortly after 10:30 a.m. As law enforcement rushed out of the courthouse, they encountered White still in possession of a handgun. Both Wake County courthouses were closed for the remainder of the day as investigators processed the scene.

Police have not yet disclosed the exact nature of the civil lawsuit that triggered the alleged attack.

This shocking incident highlights the intense emotions that can erupt during legal battles — and how quickly a courtroom dispute can turn violent on the streets outside. While details about the underlying case remain limited, the fact that the suspect allegedly returned to the scene armed suggests a premeditated act of rage following the hearing’s outcome.

For the legal community in Raleigh, this event is a sobering reminder of the risks attorneys and court personnel face when handling contentious matters. Thankfully, both victims survived the initial attack, but the psychological toll on everyone involved — including witnesses and court staff — will likely be significant.

As the investigation continues, many are left wondering what specific grievance pushed this woman to such extreme action. The case serves as a stark example of how unresolved anger and a sense of injustice can lead to devastating real-world consequences.