RALEIGH — Wake County Democratic Rep. Terence Everitt has a cozier office in the state legislative building.
Following a confrontation with Democratic Sen. Paul Lowe of Forsyth County last week, Everitt found himself moved to LB 24, essentially a former supply closet, by House Speaker Tim Moore (R-Kings Mountain).
In a scene documented by Alex Baltzegar of the conservative-leaning Carolina Journal, Lowe angrily approached Everitt, who had used his X (formerly Twitter) account to call out Lowe for not immediately signing a letter opposing the state budget.
Lowe then approached Everitt’s office, during which the Wake County legislator reportedly hid from Lowe and used his legislative assistant to shield himself during portions of the confrontation.
A day later, Moore issued a letter to Everitt explaining the decision and notifying Everitt of the move.
Some media at the General Assembly have deemed the move as political payback after Everitt asked Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman to investigate Moore.
In August, Everitt asked Freeman to probe whether the speaker should be charged with embezzlement, bribery or misconduct.
Freeman declined, saying in a statement that a review showed “no basis to move forward with a criminal investigation.”
Part of the letter reads, “I want you to know that I take the safety and security of you and every member of the legislature very seriously and have determined it appropriate to elevate your security,” outlining that the office in the basement of the legislative building is closer to the General Assembly Police office.
“It is an office that we have held in reserve for quite some time for special circumstances and those members especially deserving or in need of such accommodations,” Moore’s letter continued. “In some ways this office assignment is historic, mind you in a very insignificant way.”
The letter ends with Moore saying he hoped the new office would “be a good fit that provides greater security and meets your needs during the remainder of your service in this session.”
Everitt was elected to the N.C. House in 2018 and won reeelection in 2020 and 2022 over Republican Fred Von Canon.
