North Carolina Bar Shooting Was “Highly Premeditated” and Targeted, Police Say

Authorities in Southport, North Carolina say a weekend mass shooting at a waterfront bar was carefully planned and deliberately targeted. The attack left three people dead and five others wounded, shocking a community known for its peaceful coastal atmosphere.

Attack on a Popular Waterfront Bar

The shooting happened late Saturday night at the American Fish Company, a well-known bar overlooking the Cape Fear River. According to investigators, the suspect approached by boat around 9:30 p.m., opened fire on the crowd, and fled the scene before police could respond.

Witnesses described chaos as patrons scrambled for cover amid the sudden burst of gunfire. The bar, often packed on weekends, was hosting dozens of customers when the shooting began.

Suspect Arrested After Fleeing by Boat

Roughly half an hour later, U.S. Coast Guard officers intercepted the suspect at a public boat ramp on Oak Island. Authorities identified him as Nigel Edge, 40, of Oak Island, who was taken into custody without further incident.

Edge now faces a long list of charges:

• Three counts of first-degree murder

• Five counts of attempted first-degree murder

• Five counts of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill

He is being held without bond and is expected to appear in court this week.

Police: “Highly Premeditated” and Targeted

Southport Police Chief Todd Coring told reporters that the suspect’s actions showed clear signs of planning. “This was highly premeditated,” Coring said. “The location itself was deliberately chosen and targeted.”

Investigators are still working to determine why the bar was singled out and whether specific individuals were intended targets.

Victims and Community Impact

Three victims were pronounced dead at the scene. Five others were hospitalized, with at least one in critical condition. Authorities have not yet released their names, pending notification of families.

The shooting has devastated the tight-knit waterfront community, where the American Fish Company has long served as a popular gathering place for both locals and tourists. “This is the last thing you expect in Southport,” one resident told local media.

Suspect’s Background

Officials confirmed that Edge had prior minor encounters with law enforcement and was involved in legal disputes against the town and its police department in recent years. However, authorities said there was no prior indication he was capable of such violent behavior.

Ongoing Investigation

The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Coast Guard are assisting Southport police in the case. Investigators are reviewing surveillance video, interviewing witnesses, and gathering forensic evidence from both the boat and the crime scene.

Officials stressed that the attack was not random and urged residents to remain vigilant but not fearful. “This was an intentional act,” Chief Coring said. “We believe the community is safe, and we will pursue justice for the victims and their families.”

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