What should have been a fun Saturday night by the water in Southport, North Carolina, turned into sheer chaos when gunfire erupted at a popular restaurant.
The American Fish Company, a lively spot known for its music and ocean views, suddenly became the scene of a deadly mass shooting that left three people dead and several others injured.
Suspect in Custody After Deadly Shooting
Police have identified the man behind the attack as 39-year-old Nigel Edge.
According to authorities, he opened fire at the restaurant around 9:30 p.m. before fleeing by boat along the Intracoastal Waterway toward Oak Island, just outside Wilmington.
Edge, who described himself as a combat veteran struggling with PTSD, was eventually tracked down and arrested by the Coast Guard a little after 10 p.m.
He was taken into custody without further incident and handed over to local police.
Victims and Survivors
Three lives were tragically cut short in the shooting, and five others were left wounded.
Officials confirmed that at least one survivor remains in critical condition.
The identities of those killed have not yet been released, and families are still being notified.
Lone Wolf Gunman
Authorities described Edge as acting completely on his own.
At a Sunday press conference, police revealed that he was armed with an assault rifle at the time of the attack, and additional weapons were later found inside his vehicle.
He now faces multiple charges, including three counts of first-degree murder, five counts of attempted first-degree murder, and five counts of assault with a deadly weapon.
He is being held without bond and is expected in court Monday.
Motive Still Unclear
Despite the shocking violence, investigators say they are still searching for a motive.
For now, what drove Edge to target the waterfront restaurant remains unanswered.
Local officers did note that he was “familiar” to their department, suggesting he had been on their radar before.
A Community in Shock
Southport, a small town about 30 miles south of Wilmington, is known for its tight-knit community and coastal charm.
Following the shooting, Police Chief Todd Coring urged residents not to let this tragedy define their city.
Governor Josh Stein also responded with heartfelt words, saying he was “heartbroken” over the loss of life and pledged state support for Southport as it recovers.
He reminded people that Southport is strong and will pull together in the face of grief.
A Beloved Spot Forever Changed
The American Fish Company isn’t just a restaurant—it’s one of the town’s favorite hangouts.
With live music on weekends, it’s a place where locals and tourists alike gather to relax by the marina.
In fact, the spot even appeared in the 2013 movie Safe Haven.
Now, the cheerful memories of music, laughter, and waterfront sunsets are overshadowed by the violence that unfolded there on Saturday night.
Looking Ahead
Police stress there is no ongoing threat to the community, but the weight of the tragedy lingers.
As investigators continue piecing together the events of that night, Southport residents are left to grieve, heal, and slowly rebuild their sense of safety in a place they’ve always considered home.