SOUTHPORT, N.C. (AP) — A mass shooting that shattered the evening tranquility of a picturesque, seaside town in North Carolina was a “highly premeditated” attack that left three people dead and five injured, police said Sunday. The suspect who allegedly carried out the attack on a waterfront bar was in custody.
Nigel Edge, 40, of Oak Island is accused of opening fire Saturday night from a boat into a crowd gathered at the American Fish Company in Southport, a historic port town about 30 miles (48 kilometers) south of Wilmington, Police Chief Todd Coring said.
At a press conference Sunday, Coring stated that the location was “targeted,” but did not provide further details.
Authorities revealed that Edge piloted a small boat close to shore, which was lined with bars and restaurants, stopped briefly to fire, and then sped away. Approximately thirty minutes after the shooting, a U.S. Coast Guard crew spotted a person matching the suspect’s description pulling a boat from the water at a public ramp on Oak Island. This individual was detained and handed over to Southport police for questioning.
Edge is facing three counts of first-degree murder, five counts of attempted first-degree murder, and five counts of assault with a deadly weapon. Additional charges are possible as the investigation unfolds.
The weapon used in the shooting was an assault rifle, although Coring did not specify the type. During the press conference, he mentioned that Edge identifies as a combat veteran who has reported injuries related to his service and claims to suffer from PTSD.
Edge is scheduled to make his first court appearance on Monday, with District Attorney Jon David confirming that he is being held without bond. Of the five injured, at least one is reported to be in critical condition, with several victims being visitors from out of town.
Oak Island Police Chief Charlie Morris noted that the suspect was known to them for frequently visiting the pier and had previously filed lawsuits against the town and police department. Morris did not offer further comments on this matter.
As the investigation continues, multiple agencies, including the State Bureau of Investigation and the Coast Guard, remain on the scene collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses. The names of the victims have not yet been released.
