Three people were killed and five others were injured Saturday night in a mass shooting at a waterfront bar in Southport. An Oak Island resident is in custody and facing murder charges.
According to Southport Police Chief Todd Coring, a man on a boat opened fire at patrons at the American Fish Company in Southport around 9:30 p.m. on Saturday. The boat fled in the direction of Oak Island, where the Coast Guard took a suspect into custody after someone reported seeing a man matching the shooter's description at a public boat ramp.
Other WRAL Top Stories
According to American Fish Company, the bar is closed indefinitely in the wake of the shooting.
“Our prayers are with the victims, their families, and everyone affected by this tragedy,” the business wrote. “American Fish Company and Frying Pan will be closed indefinitely as we grieve and seek healing together.”
Three people were killed, police said, and five others are still being treated at a local hospital. In a Sunday news conference, police said at least one of the five injured is in critical condition.
The accused gunman, Nigel Edge, 40, has been charged by Southport police with 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 inflicting serious injury.
In Sunday's news conference, police said Edge is an Oak Island resident who self-identifies as an injured combat veteran who suffers from PTSD. Edge is being held in the Brunswick County Detention Center without bond and has a first court date set for Monday morning.
Coring said the shooting appeared to be targeted, and Edge acted alone.
"He acted as what we call a 'lone wolf,'" Coring said. "This is highly premeditated from what we're seeing at this time, and we feel there are no other threats to our community. That's what's important that I want the community to know -- that we do have someone in custody and we feel like we have no other threats at this time."
A court document says that Edge used a “short barrel AR rifle with suppressor, folding stock, and scope.” No motive has been determined.
District Attorney Jon David said many of the victims appear to be people who were on vacation. According to David, there was live music playing at the time of the shooting, and people were on the restaurant's back deck enjoying a good time when shots rang out.
He also pointed out that American Fish Company, where the shooting occurred, is the backdrop for the movie "Safe Haven," which was based on a Nicholas Sparks book.
"Evil has come ashore in Southport, North Carolina, ironically enough at the very place which once served as a backdrop to the movie 'Safe Haven,'" David said. "That name is symbolic of the way in which the people in our community view this area. The thin veneer of peace and tranquility which has enveloped this idyllic waterfront community was shattered last night by gunfire that came from the water."
David said the victims' full names will not be released until family members are notified.
"The thread that connects everyone who is a victim in this case to this point just appears to be a love of having a good time and enjoying all that Southport has to offer," David said. "Sadly, a lot of the victims in this case appear to be not members of our community but people who are here on vacation."
Chief Coring said between 60 to 80 officers from multiple law enforcement agencies responded to the scene.
Brunswick County Sheriff Brian Chism also spoke during Sunday's news conference, offering words of hope for the community.
"Our hearts and prayers and thoughts go out to the family of the victims of this tragic incident," Chism said. "This is the place that I grew up, so it's a place that I hold near and dear to my heart like many people in this room. And I want all of you in this room, I challenge you, do not let this define Southport."
"We have a close knit community here," echoed Oak Island Chief Charlie Morris. "I certainly do not want this incident to define who we are, because that is not us."
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein said he will visit Southport on Monday. He's also expected to provide updates on how North Carolinians can prepare from the impacts of Hurricane Humberto and Tropical Storm Imelda.
Police are asking witnesses who fled the scene Saturday night to come forward and call the Southport Police Department at 910-457-7911 with any information. They are also asking for surveillance video.