Nigel Edge – Authorities in Southport are piecing together the details of a mass shooting that left three people dead and several others injured over the weekend. The violent incident, described by investigators as targeted and premeditated, has shaken the quiet coastal community and prompted a swift response from multiple law enforcement agencies.

According to Southport Police Chief Todd Coring, the shooting occurred Saturday night near the American Fish Company, a popular waterfront spot on Yacht Basin Drive. Investigators say the suspect opened fire from a boat, striking multiple people before fleeing the scene along the waterway. In the aftermath, three individuals were confirmed dead, while at least five others were transported to area hospitals with injuries.

The suspect, identified as Nigel Edge, was intercepted a short time later by Coast Guard officials near Oak Island along the Intracoastal Waterway. Edge was taken into custody without further incident and has since been formally charged. His charges include 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, inflict serious injury. Authorities noted that more charges are expected as the investigation unfolds. He is currently being held without bond.

Officials believe Edge acted alone and that the attack was not random. “This was highly premeditated and targeted,” Chief Coring said, emphasizing that investigators have found no evidence of additional suspects. However, officials have not released details about Edge’s possible motive or his connection to the victims.

During a Sunday press conference, District Attorney representatives confirmed that some of the victims were not local residents but visitors who had been vacationing in Southport at the time of the shooting. Out of respect for grieving families, authorities have chosen not to release the names of the deceased until proper notifications are completed.

The impact of the tragedy has rippled through Southport, where the American Fish Company announced it would close indefinitely following the shooting. The waterfront establishment has long been considered a hub for locals and tourists alike, and its closure underscores the shock the incident has caused within the community.

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein addressed the shooting in a public statement on social media, expressing his condolences to the victims’ families and praising law enforcement for their rapid response. He also acknowledged the profound effect the violence has had on the Southport community and urged residents to remain united in the face of tragedy.

For many in Southport, the attack has shattered a sense of safety in a town known more for its scenic beauty and quiet pace than for violent crime. Residents described disbelief that such violence could erupt in a place where neighbors know one another and visitors come for relaxation. The incident has also sparked conversations about public safety at waterfront businesses and community gathering spaces.

Meanwhile, investigators continue to piece together a clearer picture of what transpired Saturday night. The ongoing inquiry will examine how Edge carried out the attack, the preparation involved, and whether any warning signs were overlooked. With charges already mounting, prosecutors are preparing for what could be a lengthy and complex legal process.

As the community mourns the three lives lost, attention also turns to the injured, some of whom remain hospitalized. Officials have not shared specifics about their conditions but emphasized that their recovery remains a priority. Counseling and support services are being made available to victims’ families and witnesses who were at the scene during the chaos.

The shooting has left Southport grappling with grief and unanswered questions, even as authorities work to provide justice. For now, the small town is left to process the tragedy and support one another in its wake.