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, about 30 miles south of Wilmington. The location was reportedly targeted, although authorities did not share further details.
Edge piloted a small boat close to shore, briefly halted, and fired into the crowd before fleeing the scene. He was identified and apprehended shortly after by the Coast Guard.
Edge faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder and attempted murder. Concerns have been raised regarding his mental health, with Edge reportedly identifying as a combat veteran suffering from PTSD.
The incident has left the community stunned, as many victims were from out of town. Five people remain in the hospital, some in critical condition. Local officials are collaborating with various investigative agencies to examine the incident thoroughly.
