Full Breakdown
Mass Shooting at Southport Waterfront Bar Leaves Three Dead, Eight Injured
9/28/2025, 11:07:22 PM
Incident Overview
On the evening of September 27, 2025, a mass shooting occurred at the American Fish Company, a waterfront bar in Southport, North Carolina. At approximately 9:30 p.m., a gunman opened fire from a boat, targeting patrons at the bar. The attack resulted in three fatalities and injuries to at least eight others. The shooter fled the scene, heading toward the Intracoastal Waterway.
Arrest and Charges
The suspect, identified as 40-year-old Nigel Max Edge, a resident of Oak Island, was apprehended shortly after the incident. He has been charged with three counts of first-degree murder, five counts of attempted first-degree murder, and five counts of assault with a deadly weapon. Edge is currently being held without bail at the Brunswick County Jail, with his first court appearance scheduled for September 29, 2025. Southport Police Chief Todd Coring described the shooting as a "highly premeditated" and "targeted" attack.
Details of the Shooting
According to city officials, the shooting began when Edge's boat approached the dock of the American Fish Company. Witnesses reported that he opened fire using a short-barreled AR rifle equipped with a suppressor, folding stock, and scope. After the shooting, he fled the scene, and the U.S. Coast Guard detained him about 30 minutes later while he was loading his boat at a public ramp in Oak Island, approximately 12 miles from the shooting site.
Victims and Community Impact
The three individuals killed in the shooting were not identified immediately, but many of the victims were reportedly tourists visiting the area. At least one of the injured individuals is in critical condition. The shooting has sent shockwaves through the small community of Southport, which has a population of around 4,300. Local officials, including District Attorney Jon David, expressed their condolences, describing the event as a tragic occurrence in a typically peaceful town.
Official Statements
Southport Police Chief Todd Coring reassured the public that there is no ongoing threat, stating, "I'm comfortable to say that we don't feel like there's any additional threats to the community." The city had initially issued warnings on social media for residents to avoid the area during the active shooter situation. Governor Josh Stein also expressed his sorrow over the incident, emphasizing the need for community support during this difficult time.
Criticism and Opposition
While the investigation is ongoing, some community members have raised concerns about gun violence in public spaces. The incident adds to the growing list of mass shootings in the United States, which has seen over 320 such events in 2025 alone. Local leaders have called for a thorough investigation to understand the motivations behind Edge's actions, as well as to address the broader issue of gun violence.
What's Next
Authorities are continuing to investigate the shooting, seeking additional witnesses and any video evidence from the night of the incident. The Southport Police Department, along with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Coast Guard, is actively collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses. Further updates on the investigation and the condition of the victims are expected in the coming days.
