The man police say carried out the shooting, Abdul Karim Mustafa, 21, appeared in court Tuesday on multiple charges, including attempted first-degree murder. A judge denied Mustafa's bond and requested an out-of-district public defender for him.
Investigators say Mustafa shot 19-year-old Latoya Lucas as she walked up the courthouse steps Monday. Police say Mustafa then shot a Wilson police officer and a sheriff's deputy before officers took him into custody after a chase through several downtown blocks.
Businesses in downtown Wilson were forced to close Monday following the shooting and reopened Tuesday amid continued concerns about safety.
"We want everybody to know that they're safe," said Bobby Jenkins, owner of Wilson Paint & Wallpaper Center.
Jenkins said some residents and business owners are taking additional precautions.
"People are now taking extra precautions, and more cameras quite naturally going up. But everybody's kind of watching and looking," Jenkins said.
Lucas was at the courthouse Monday in connection with the June fatal shooting of 16-year-old Ladarrius Simmons. Lucas' brother, Jamel Hines, faces a murder charge tied to Simmons' death, while Lucas faces charges related to her alleged role as an accessory after the fact.
The shooting has prompted discussion about whether additional security measures are needed around the courthouse.
"We saw a few months ago in Raleigh where two attorneys were shot, and now in Wilson, a defendant was shot," said Dr. Roy Taylor, a police procedure expert.
Taylor said a more visible law enforcement presence outside courthouses could help deter similar incidents.
"Post either deputy sheriffs, courtroom bailiffs, or contracted security outside of the courthouse doors so that people, when they're walking by on the sidewalk, can see a uniform presence," Taylor said.
Wilson County leaders say courthouse security remains a priority. Rob Boyette, the chairman of the Wilson County Board of Commissioners, praised Sheriff Calvin Woodard and said the county continues to evaluate public safety measures.
"The Board is constantly looking for ways to improve and build upon the security that we have here. We're always open to finding ways to improve public safety," said Boyette.
Sheriff Calvin Woodard was not available for an interview Tuesday regarding potential security changes.
Authorities said Tuesday that the police officer and sheriff's deputy injured in the shooting are both doing well. Lucas remains hospitalized and is in fair condition.
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