'Evil Has Come Ashore': Gunman On Boat Arrested, Charged After Mass Shooting At Cape Fear

SOUTHPORT, NC — A boater is facing charges after allegedly opening fire at a waterfront pub in North Carolina, killing three patrons and injuring five others.

Authorities say 40-year-old Nigel Edge was allegedly driving a white center console boat Saturday, Sept. 27, at 9:30 p.m. when he began shooting at the outdoor deck of American Fish Company, which was hosting a live event. The restaurant is located on Cape Fear, where the Cape Fear River meets the Atlantic Ocean.

The boat reportedly fled in the direction of Oak Island toward the Intracoastal Waterway. The U.S. Coast Guard saw an individual matching the shooter's description loading at a public boat ramp around 10 p.m.

Law enforcement arrested Edge, who has since 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 injury.

One person was clinging to life as of Sunday. Many of the victims seem to have been people on vacation.

The City of Southport said there was no credible threat to the public after his detainment. Police Chief Todd Coring said Edge appears to have acted alone in a highly premeditated fashion.

"Southport is a small, close-knit coastal community. While this tragedy has deeply saddened and shaken us, we remain strong and resilient," said Southport City Manager Noah Saldo. "Please keep the victims, their families, our first responders and our entire community in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time."

During a press conference on Sunday, the Oak Island Police Chief Charlie Morris said that Edge was familiar to law enforcement there. "He has been a resident in Oak Island for several years. He has filed numerous lawsuits against the town and the police department within the last couple of years."

Among those Edge has sued are Generations Church and Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center. All of the lawsuits have been dismissed.

Edge, who changed his name from Sean Debevoise in 2023, was a decorated Marine and Purple Heart recipient.

"Evil has come ashore in Southport," said District Attorney John Davis in a press conference on Sunday. "I want to tell you that the group of people that stand behind me now awoke this morning with a firm resolve to seek maximum justice in this case."

Edge made his first court appearance Monday afternoon.

In the aftermath, American Fish Co. has closed until further notice. The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team also arrived in Southport on Monday to help the community, one of many the police department says who have reached out. The team will be stationed in the parking lot of the Frying Pan restaurant in Southport.