Southport Police Chief on Mass Shooting Arrest: Suspect Charged

Mass Shooting Incident Details

• 🎯 A mass shooting occurred early Saturday, December 27th, 2025, at the American Fish Company in Southport, North Carolina.
• 🚨 The incident resulted in three fatalities and at least five individuals injured, who were transported to area hospitals.
• 🚤 The suspect fled the scene in a boat on the waterway towards the Oak Island Bridge.

Suspect Apprehension and Charges

• 👮 The suspect, identified as Nile Max Edge, was apprehended by the Coast Guard loading his boat at a public ramp on Oak Island.
• ⚖️ Edge has 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, with additional charges pending.
• 👤 Authorities believe the suspect acted alone in a highly premeditated manner, and there are no further threats to the community.

Investigation and Community Appeal

• 🔍 The investigation is ongoing and considered very active, with law enforcement seeking witnesses who were at the establishment on Friday or Saturday night.
• 📞 The Southport Police Department is asking anyone with information or video footage to contact them at 910-457-7911.
• 🤝 The incident saw a significant outpouring of support and assistance from numerous local, state, and federal law enforcement partners.

Suspect Background and Legal Proceedings

• 🎖️ The suspect self-identifies as a combat veteran who was injured in the line of duty and suffers from PTSD.
• 🏛️ Edge is a resident of Oak Island and was known to local law enforcement, though he had no significant criminal history, only minor contacts and several civil suits.
• ⚖️ The District Attorney's office is seeking maximum justice and anticipates additional charges. The suspect is currently held without bond, and the death penalty is a potential sentence in North Carolina.

Community Impact and Response

• 💔 Officials expressed prayers and condolences to the victims and their families, emphasizing that this incident does not define the close-knit community of Southport.
• 🌊 The shooting occurred on an outdoor deck facing the water, disrupting the peace of the idyllic waterfront community.
• ❓ Motive is not required to be proven in court, but the investigation will explore the suspect's reasons for the attack, which is believed to be highly premeditated.