Three people were killed and five others were injured after a mass shooting at a waterfront bar in Southport. The accused gunman is facing multiple felony charges.
According to Southport Police Chief Todd Coring, a man on a boat opened fire at patrons at the American Fish Company in Southport around 9:30 p.m. on Saturday. The boat fled in the direction of Oak Island, where the Coast Guard took a suspect into custody after someone reported seeing a man matching the shooter’s description at a boat dock.
Three people were killed, police said, and five others are still being treated at a local hospital. In a Sunday news conference, police said at least one of the victims is fighting for their life.
WITN reported that Nigel Edge, 40, has been charged by Southport police with three counts of first-degree murder, five counts of attempted first-degree murder, and five counts of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury.
In Sunday’s news conference, Edge was identified as an Oak Island resident who self-identifies as a combat veteran who was injured and suffers from PTSD. Edge is being held in the Brunswick County Detention Center without bond and has a first court date set for Monday morning.
A court document says that Edge used a “short barrel AR rifle with suppressor, folding stock, and scope.” No motive has been determined.
District Attorney Jon David said many of the victims appear to be people who were on vacation. According to David, there was live music playing at the time of the shooting, and people were on the restaurant’s back deck enjoying a good time.
Southport’s police chief, Todd Coring, addressed the community overnight, saying:
“We just ask that you keep those who have been affected by this in your prayers and your thoughts. To our community tonight, I am comfortable to say that we feel there is no additional threat to the community right now.”
Police are asking witnesses who fled the scene Saturday night to come forward with any information. They are also asking for surveillance video.