Full Breakdown
Mass Shooting at Southport Waterfront Bar Leaves Three Dead and Five Injured
9/29/2025, 8:17:28 AM
Overview of the Incident
On the night of September 27, 2025, a mass shooting occurred at the American Fish Company, a waterfront bar located in Southport, North Carolina. At approximately 9:30 p.m., a gunman, identified as 40-year-old Nigel Max Edge, opened fire from a boat into a crowd of patrons, resulting in three fatalities and five injuries. The attack is described by authorities as a "highly premeditated" and "targeted" act.
Details of the Attack
The shooting unfolded when Edge piloted a small boat close to the bar's dock, paused briefly, and began firing an assault rifle into the outdoor dining area. Witnesses reported that the shooter fled the scene towards the Intracoastal Waterway after the attack. The Southport Police Department received multiple emergency calls reporting the incident, prompting a swift response from local law enforcement and emergency services.
Arrest and Charges
Shortly after the shooting, at around 10 p.m., the U.S. Coast Guard detained Edge at a public boat ramp in Oak Island, approximately 12 miles from the scene. He was 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 bond at the Brunswick County Detention Center and is scheduled to appear in court.
Background of the Suspect
Nigel Max Edge, formerly known as Sean Debevoise, is a decorated combat veteran who served in Iraq and reportedly suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Local law enforcement officials noted that while Edge had minor contacts with police in the past, there was nothing in his history that indicated he was capable of such violence. He has also filed several lawsuits against the town and its police department in recent years.
Victims and Community Impact
The victims of the shooting included individuals who were reportedly visiting Southport as tourists. District Attorney Jon David stated that one of the injured victims is "clinging for their life" in the hospital. The American Fish Company announced it would close indefinitely in light of the tragedy, expressing condolences to the victims and their families.
Official Responses
Southport Police Chief Todd Coring emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to the community, stating, "Just know you are as safe as you can be right now." North Carolina Governor Josh Stein expressed his heartbreak over the incident, affirming that the state would provide necessary support to the local community as they recover from this tragedy.
Criticism and Opposition
Despite the ongoing investigation, some community members have raised concerns about gun violence and the accessibility of firearms, particularly in light of the increasing number of mass shootings across the United States. As of 2025, there have been over 324 mass shootings reported this year alone, according to the Gun Violence Archive.
What's Next
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, with authorities collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses. Additional charges against Edge may be forthcoming as the case develops. Community leaders are urging anyone with information or video footage from the night of the shooting to come forward to assist in the investigation.
