A peaceful Saturday evening at the American Fish Company in Southport, North Carolina, was shattered when gunfire broke out at approximately 9:30 p.m. near the city's downtown marina. Diners were sent into a panic as a mass shooting left three dead and eight others injured. The suspect, 39-year-old Nigel Edge, was apprehended after fleeing the scene by boat.
Edge, a decorated former Marine who served in Iraq, reportedly approached the waterfront restaurant by boat, fired into the crowd with a modified AR-style rifle, and then escaped using the Intracoastal Waterway. Fortunately, vigilant U.S. Coast Guard personnel spotted a man matching Edge's description at a public ramp on Oak Island, leading to his capture and subsequent transfer to Southport police for questioning.
Delving into Edge's background, it is revealed that he is a combat veteran who served from 2003 to 2009, earning multiple honors, including a Purple Heart and an Iraq Campaign Medal with two Bronze Stars. His military records reflect a history of combat injuries, and there is speculation that he may be suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.
Officials described Edge's armament in detail, citing that he carried a short-barreled AR-style rifle equipped with a suppressor, folding stock, and scope. He now faces grave legal charges, including three counts of first-degree murder, five counts of attempted first-degree murder, and five counts of assault with a deadly weapon. Investigators are still piecing together the motive behind the attack, which remains a mystery.
Edge is no stranger to the legal system, having filed several unconventional lawsuits in North Carolina. He has taken legal action against a local church and a medical center, making allegations involving LGBT individuals and white supremacists. Both cases were dismissed with prejudice. Edge is also the author of a book, "Headshot: Betrayal of a Nation," in which he claims to have been the target of a global conspiracy during his military service.
As the investigation unfolds, Southport Police Chief Todd Coring labeled the incident "a very tragic night" for the community, calling for thoughts and prayers for the victims. The incident has left the tight-knit town of Southport in a state of shock and mourning, with local residents expressing sorrow over the unexpected violence. Emergency responders and bystanders have been commended for their actions in protecting diners during the chaos.
Edge, who holds no significant prior criminal record apart from his civil lawsuits and minor legal incidents, is being held without bond at the Brunswick County Detention Center, awaiting his initial court hearing. As the community begins its healing process, officials are urging anyone with information to come forward and are emphasizing the need for support for the victims and their families.
