 |
| Nigel Max Edge identified as suspect in mass shooting at popular waterfront restaurant American Fish Company |
Southport, North Carolina — A mass shooting at the popular waterfront restaurant American Fish Company left three people dead and at least others injured on Saturday evening, September 27, 2025. Authorities have confirmed the arrest of the suspect, identified as Nigel Max Edge, a 40-year-old Oak Island resident.
A Targeted and Premeditated Attack
According to Southport Police Chief Todd Coring, the assault was “highly premeditated” and the venue was deliberately targeted. Edge allegedly approached the restaurant from the Cape Fear River aboard a small boat and opened fire on diners using a short-barreled AR-style rifle equipped with a suppressor.
The attack occurred around 9:30 p.m., shocking the historic coastal town located about 30 miles south of Wilmington. Witnesses described a chaotic scene as vacationers and locals scrambled for safety.
Swift Response and Arrest
Authorities reported that the suspect fled via the Intracoastal Waterway. Within 30 minutes, U.S. Coast Guard patrols spotted Edge while he was loading his boat at a public ramp in Oak Island. He was taken into custody without further incident.
District Attorney Jon David confirmed that Edge now faces multiple charges, including:
- 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
Profile of the Suspect
Edge, a former U.S. Marine combat veteran, had legally changed his name from Sean William DeBevoise in 2023. Officials revealed that he may have suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following his service in Iraq, where he sustained combat injuries.
He had previously drawn the attention of local authorities due to minor incidents and eccentric lawsuits filed against the city of Oak Island and its police department. Edge also self-published a book titled Headshot: Betrayal of a Nation (Truth Hurts), in which he promoted conspiracy theories.
Community in Mourning
The shooting has left Southport reeling. North Carolina Governor Josh Stein expressed solidarity with the victims’ families and the community, calling the attack “an unthinkable act of violence.”
The American Fish Company has announced it will remain closed indefinitely out of respect for the victims and their families.
Court Appearance Scheduled
Edge is expected to make his first court appearance on Monday. Prosecutors have not ruled out the possibility of seeking the death penalty given the severity of the charges.
Sources:
City of Southport News Release
Associated Press
WCNC
CBS News
0 Comments