Authorities said three people were killed and at least eight others injured after an attacker opened fire at a North Carolina marina on Sept. 27, in what they described as a “highly premeditated” and “targeted” attack.
The Southport Police started receiving 911 calls about multiple injuries at roughly 9:30 p.m., the city said in a statement.
The suspect, Nigel Edge, 40, of Oak Island, North Carolina, is accused of opening fire from a boat into a crowd assembled at the American Fish Co. in Southport. Authorities charged Edge with three counts of first-degree murder, five counts of attempted first-degree murder, and five counts of assault with a deadly weapon.
Southport Police Chief Todd Coring said Edge could face additional charges.
At a Sept. 28 press conference, Coring said Edge “targeted” the location but did not elaborate. He described it as a “highly premeditated attack.”
“We understand this suspect identifies as a combat veteran. He self-identifies. Injured in the line of duty is what he’s saying; he suffers from PTSD,” Coring said, referring to post-traumatic stress disorder.
He then fled west in the boat in the direction of Oak Island along the Intracoastal Waterway, according to authorities.
The U.S. Coast Guard had stated that it apprehended a suspect matching the description of the shooter, according to the city. Edge was found loading his boat at a public boat ramp in Oak Island just after 10 p.m.
Edge is currently being held by the Oak Island Police Department and will be transferred into the custody of the Southport Police Department for questioning, the city stated.
The victims’ names have not yet been released, pending notifications to be sent out to families.
District Attorney Jon David said Edge will make his first court appearance on Sept. 29.
Fatal Shooting in Texas
Also overnight, gunfire was reported at the Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino in Eagle Pass, Texas.The suspect remained at large, he said. Locals were told to avoid the area as the investigation was ongoing.
The shooting occurred in the casino parking lot.
According to initial reports from Maverick County Sheriff Tom Schmerber, “approximately seven individuals have been wounded and of those, one life has been tragically lost.”
The victims were receiving care, Cantu said.
“In moments like these, our community’s greatest strength is our compassion and solidarity,” he said.
“I call upon everyone in Eagle Pass to keep the victims and their loved ones in your thoughts and prayers, and to continue showing the resilience that defines who we are. Together, we will overcome this dark moment.”
