A senseless act of violence has rocked the peaceful town of Southport, North Carolina, after a gunman opened fire from a boat at the popular American Fish Company restaurant, located in the Southport Yacht Basin. The shooting, which occurred late Saturday evening, resulted in at least three deaths and eight injuries, sparking an ongoing investigation by local authorities.

The shooter, now identified as Sean William DeBevoise—who later adopted the name Nigel Max Edge—has become the subject of intense scrutiny following the mass shooting. While the investigation continues, DeBevoise’s troubled past, including his history of mental health struggles, conspiracy theories, and military background, has added complexity to the case.

As details surrounding the incident continue to emerge, the focus remains on understanding the motives behind the attack, and how DeBevoise’s life story fits into the tragic narrative of the Southport Yacht Basin shooting.

The Shooting Incident: Gunfire from a Boat

At approximately 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 27, 2025, the Southport Police Department responded to an active shooter report at the Southport Yacht Basin, located near the American Fish Company restaurant. The shooter, later identified as DeBevoise, fired from a boat into the restaurant, targeting both patrons and employees inside. Witnesses describe hearing multiple rounds of gunfire as the suspect’s boat remained stationed in the water for nearly an hour before beginning the attack.

In the chaos that followed, three individuals tragically lost their lives, and eight others sustained injuries ranging from non-life-threatening to critical. One of the victims is reported to have been in critical condition, though authorities have yet to release the names or specific details about the victims.

Following the attack, the gunman’s boat fled up the Intracoastal Waterway toward Oak Island. Authorities confirmed that the boat was located near the 55th Street boat launch on Oak Island, where a photo circulating online shows the boat at the launch. The photo’s railing matches that of the apartment complex visible on Google Maps at the location, further tying the boat to the suspect’s movements after the shooting.

The shooting has left the small community of Southport devastated, with local residents struggling to come to terms with the violence that unfolded in their normally quiet town.

Sean William DeBevoise (Nigel Max Edge): A Troubling Background

Sean William DeBevoise, who later adopted the name Nigel Max Edge, is a 34-year-old man whose life has been marked by military service, personal grievances, and controversial claims that have raised questions about his mental state in the years leading up to the shooting.

DeBevoise enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps after the September 11th attacks, serving multiple tours in Afghanistan and one in Haiti. His military service, while commendable, was reportedly marred by what he described as systemic abuse and betrayal within the military. DeBevoise has made numerous claims, including accusations that he was drugged, forced into a fake identity, and subjected to government conspiracies. His distrust of the military and government has been central to his public persona, leading him to file multiple lawsuits alleging civil rights violations during his time in service.

In his personal life, DeBevoise has made alarming claims of being involved in sex trafficking, accusing various parties—including the LGBTQ community, military officials, and government agencies—of being complicit in his suffering. His accusations, many of which have been dismissed in court, paint a picture of a man deeply affected by his experiences, though his allegations have been widely criticized as being rooted in paranoia and conspiracy theories.

The Shooting and Boat Connection

DeBevoise’s connection to the shooting at Southport Yacht Basin appears to be tied to his life plans, which included running a fishing business. In an effort to turn his life around, he ran a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds to buy a boat, which he hoped to use for his fishing business. This boat would later be identified as the one used in the shooting. DeBevoise’s decision to use the boat for an attack on innocent people has shocked many, especially considering his earlier intentions to start a legitimate business.

According to authorities, after the shooting, the suspect’s boat fled up the Intracoastal Waterway toward Oak Island, a move that raised suspicion among locals. The connection between DeBevoise’s personal life, his business aspirations, and the tragic shooting has left many wondering how someone who had once sought to rebuild his life could end up committing such a horrific act of violence.

The Role of Social Media and DeBevoise’s Claims

DeBevoise has also used social media to voice his grievances against various public figures and institutions. His Facebook page, where he posts about his experiences with military betrayal, conspiracy theories, and personal struggles, has garnered attention for its disturbing content. DeBevoise’s posts have been filled with allegations against the U.S. government, the military, and public figures, including country singer Kellie Pickler, whom he claimed had attempted to murder him.

His memoir, Headshot: Betrayal of a Nation, is another example of how DeBevoise has tried to share his story. In the book, he claims to have been a victim of systemic abuse and mistreatment, but his narrative has been criticized as fantastical and lacking credible evidence. His social media activity has raised concerns about his mental health, with many questioning whether his deteriorating state of mind played a role in the violent act at Southport Yacht Basin.

A Troubled Relationship with Kellie Pickler

In an even stranger turn of events, it has been revealed that DeBevoise was once involved with country singer Kellie Pickler. The two attended the 2012 CMT Awards together, but their connection soon soured. DeBevoise later sued Pickler, claiming she had attempted to murder him. The details of this legal battle remain unclear, but it further adds to the troubling history of a man whose interactions with public figures have been marked by extreme accusations and legal disputes.

This bizarre chapter in DeBevoise’s life adds to the mystery surrounding his motivations for the shooting. His claims of being the target of conspiracies involving high-profile individuals, combined with his history of mental health struggles, suggests that the Southport shooting was the result of a troubled and dangerous individual acting on deeply held grievances.

A Community in Shock

The shooting has left Southport residents reeling, with many struggling to understand how a seemingly peaceful evening at a local restaurant could turn into a tragic shooting. The community, which is typically known for its serene atmosphere, is now grappling with the aftermath of the violence.

Authorities have urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward, and the investigation continues. The TBI has been called in to review the case, and their findings will be critical in determining whether DeBevoise acted alone or if others were involved in the attack.

The Broader Impact on Policing and Mental Health

As the investigation continues, the Southport Yacht Basin shooting has reignited discussions about the importance of mental health care for veterans and individuals who have experienced trauma. DeBevoise’s case highlights the struggles faced by many veterans who return from service only to find themselves dealing with mental health issues, paranoia, and a sense of betrayal. It is also a reminder of the dangers of conspiracy theories and the role they can play in exacerbating existing mental health issues.

The incident has raised concerns about the impact of untreated mental illness and the risks posed by individuals who are struggling with both emotional and psychological distress. While the investigation into the shooting continues, there are calls for greater support for veterans and others who may be grappling with similar issues, to prevent future tragedies.

Conclusion: A Tragic and Complex Case

The Southport Yacht Basin shooting is a tragedy that has left a community in shock and a family grappling with loss. As authorities work to uncover the full details of the attack and DeBevoise’s motivations, it is clear that this incident is more than just a random act of violence—it is a complex case involving mental health struggles, conspiracy theories, and a troubled past.

As the investigation continues, the focus remains on bringing justice to the victims and understanding the factors that led to this tragic event. DeBevoise’s story serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of untreated mental health issues, as well as the dangers posed by individuals consumed by paranoia and conspiracy.