Southport mass shooting: Suspect identified in gunfire from boat that killed 3, injured 8, officials say

SOUTHPORT, N.C. (WNCN) — Multiple law enforcement agencies at the North Carolina coast are continuing a mass shooting investigation — and have a suspect in custody — after gunfire from a boater killed people and injured others Saturday night in Brunswick County.

According to the Town of Southport, officers were called around 9:30 p.m. to a shooting on the waterfront at the American Fish Company on Yacht Basin Drive. They found multiple injuries at the scene.

Their statement early Sunday morning said that prior to officers’ arrival, a boat with a single occupant was traveling on the Cape Fear River before stopping outside of the restaurant. Officials said the person in the boat opened fire, killing 3 and injuring 8 people.

“The boat then fled the area, towards the Intracoastal Waterway in the direction of Oak Island,” officials said.

Officials said that shortly after 10 p.m., the U.S. Coast Guard observed a man who matched the shooter’s description, loading their boat on 55^th Street in Oak Island. The Coast Guard detained the suspect, turning him over to the Oak Island Police Department.

The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation said Sunday that 40-year-old Nigel Max Edge has been charged 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 injuries.

In their statement ahead of the district attorney’s press conference at 11 a.m. Sunday, NCSBI said the scene is still being actively investigated by their officials and the Southport Police Department. “Please remain clear of the area,” officials said.

After town officials issued alerts to the public via social media Saturday night of the active shooter, they said there is no further credible threat to the public.

“Officers and Deputies from multiple agencies are in place to help ensure additional security for the greater area,” officials said. “This investigation is still in an immediate response stage; however, further updates on suspect identity and charges will be provided directly by the City of Southport as they become available.”

NCSBI officials also urged that no threat is ongoing at this time. “We believe this was the act of one person, and the threat has been stopped,” officials said.

The Southport Yacht Basin borders an area of the town along the Intracoastal Waterway with several bars and restaurants, including American Fish Company.

The Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office released a short statement Saturday night on social media about the matter.

“The Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office is assisting the City of Southport Police Department, along with multiple law enforcement agencies throughout the county,” the sheriff’s office said. “Please keep all those affected, as well as our first responders, in your thoughts and prayers.”

Southport is located along the Cape Fear River, across from Fort Fisher and about 10 miles southwest of Wilmington.