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 announced that the location was “targeted,” though he did not elaborate further.
Authorities revealed that Edge piloted a small boat close to the shore, which is lined with bars and restaurants, before stopping briefly to fire into the crowd and then fleeing the scene.
Approximately half an hour after the incident, a U.S. Coast Guard crew detained a person matching the suspect’s description at a public boat ramp on Oak Island. This individual was transferred to Southport police for questioning.
Edge now faces three counts of first-degree murder, five counts of attempted first-degree murder, and five counts of assault with a deadly weapon. Police Chief Coring indicated that additional charges could follow.
“The weapon used was an assault rifle,” Coring stated, but he did not provide specifics on the type.
“We understand this suspect identifies as a combat veteran. He has stated he was injured in the line of duty and is suffering from PTSD,” Coring said.
Edge is scheduled for his first court appearance on Monday and is being held without bond. Of those injured, at least one victim is reported to be in critical condition, according to District Attorney Jon David.
Some of the victims were vacationers visiting the area. Oak Island Police Chief Charlie Morris noted that Edge was previously known to officers and had reportedly filed lawsuits against the town and police department in recent years.
Although the district attorney mentioned that Edge had minimal past dealings with law enforcement, no indication of potential for such violence was apparent from earlier interactions.
Investigators from various agencies, including the State Bureau of Investigation and the Coast Guard, remained on the scene gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses.
As the investigation continues, the identities of the victims have not yet been released.
