Mooresville Appeals Court Order to Release Town Hall Surveillance Video

The Town of Mooresville has filed an appeal of a recent court order requiring the release of surveillance video from Town Hall connected to Mayor Chris Carney, saying the decision could have broader consequences for public safety in municipal buildings across North Carolina.

Town officials announced the appeal following an April 15 ruling in Gray Local Media, Inc. v. Town of Mooresville, in which a judge determined the surveillance footage should be considered a public record. The town argues the decision could set a precedent that would make security video from government buildings—including police departments, fire stations, and courthouses—subject to public release.

According to the Board of Commissioners, the appeal is not intended to shield the mayor from scrutiny. Commissioners emphasized that they previously addressed Carney’s conduct by approving a vote of no confidence on April 6 and publicly calling for his resignation.

“We want to be clear that the decision to appeal the court order is not about concealing anything or protecting Mayor Carney’s interests,” the board said in a statement. “The decision to appeal is solely focused on protecting the safety and well-being of our Town staff and anyone who relies on services provided in public buildings.”

The surveillance footage at the center of the legal battle reportedly shows Carney inside Town Hall after hours in October 2024. The case has drawn statewide attention and fueled controversy surrounding the mayor’s leadership, even as he has refused repeated calls to step down.

The case will now move to the North Carolina Court of Appeals, where judges will decide whether the footage remains private or becomes part of the public record.