SOUTHPORT, N.C. (RTW News) — A tragic mass shooting in Southport, North Carolina, has left a dark shadow over the picturesque seaside town, with three individuals killed and five others injured. The incident occurred at the American Fish Company as a crowd gathered for an evening out.
The suspect, identified as 40-year-old Nigel Edge from Oak Island, allegedly opened fire on the crowd from a boat. Southport's Police Chief, Todd Coring, described the attack as ‘highly premeditated’ during a Sunday press conference.
Edge reportedly piloted his small boat close to the shore, paused, and then unleashed gunfire before fleeing the scene.
Within half an hour of the shooting, a U.S. Coast Guard crew apprehended Edge as he was pulling his boat from the water at a nearby public ramp. He is now charged with three counts of first-degree murder, five counts of attempted first-degree murder, and five counts of assault with a deadly weapon; more charges may follow.
Authorities confirmed that the weapon utilized was an assault rifle, though no specific type has been disclosed. Investigators revealed that Edge claims to be a combat veteran suffering from PTSD.
Oak Island Police Chief Charlie Morris noted that Edge was known to local authorities and had filed lawsuits against the town and police department in recent years. Despite having had ‘minor contacts' with the police, officials stated that there was no prior indication of his capacity for such violence.
Edge is scheduled to make his first court appearance on Monday, where he will be held without bond. Among the hospitalized, at least one victim is reportedly in critical condition, with some being tourists visiting the area.
Officials from various agencies, including the State Bureau of Investigation and the Coast Guard, are conducting ongoing investigations, gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses.
The identities of the victims have not yet been released, as the community grapples with this devastating incident.
