A 40-year-old man has been charged after a gunman opened fire from a boat into a crowded waterfront restaurant in Southport, North Carolina, killing three people and injuring at least five others on Saturday night.
Authorities identified the suspect as Nigel Max Edge, who now faces three counts of first-degree murder and five counts of attempted first-degree murder, Southport public information officer ChyAnn Ketchum confirmed Sunday.
Police say Edge acted alone and targeted the American Fish Company restaurant in what investigators described as a “highly premeditated” attack. “We believe this was a targeted location,” Southport Police Chief Todd Coring said at a Sunday press briefing. “The suspect is in custody, and there is no further threat to the community.”
Attack launched from Cape Fear River
Officials said a boat with a single occupant stopped in front of the restaurant at about 9:30 p.m. before shots were fired into the establishment, killing three patrons and wounding several others. The boat then sped off toward Oak Island.
Within 30 minutes, a U.S. Coast Guard crew spotted a man fitting the description of the shooter loading a boat at a public ramp in Oak Island. He was detained and later turned over to Southport police for questioning.
Suspect’s background
Edge, a resident of Oak Island, reportedly told police he is a combat veteran who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), though officials have not confirmed those claims. Authorities said Edge legally changed his name several years ago and was “well-known” to local law enforcement.
Oak Island Police Chief Charlie Morris said his officers were familiar with the suspect, who often spent time near the pier close to the department. Edge had also filed “numerous” lawsuits against the town and police in recent years, Morris noted, without providing details.
The names of the victims have not been released. Brunswick County District Attorney Jon David said one of the wounded victims is “clinging to life” in the hospital, while the conditions of the others remain unclear.
David added that many of those shot were vacationers, not local residents. “Sadly, a lot of the victims appear to be visitors to our community,” he said.
Authorities continue to investigate Edge’s motive and whether he had scouted the restaurant before the attack.
