A mass shooting erupted Saturday night at the American Fish Company in Southport, North Carolina, leaving three people dead and eight others injured.
The attack occurred around 9:30 p.m. near the city’s downtown marina, sending diners fleeing in terror as gunfire erupted.
Authorities identified 39-year-old Nigel Edge as the suspect.
Reports indicate Edge arrived by boat, paused outside the restaurant, fired into the crowd and then escaped via the Intracoastal Waterway.
He was later apprehended after U.S. Coast Guard personnel spotted a man matching his description unloading a vessel at a public ramp on nearby Oak Island and subsequently transferred him to Southport police for questioning.
Edge, who previously went by Sean DeBevoise, is a decorated Marine Corps veteran who served from 2003 to 2009, including deployments to Iraq in 2005 and 2006.
Military records show he sustained combat injuries and earned multiple honors, including a Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal and the Iraq Campaign Medal with two Bronze Stars.
Authorities noted that Edge may be experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder.
Court filings indicate Edge carried a short-barreled AR-style rifle outfitted with a suppressor, folding stock and scope, the New York Post reports.
He now faces three counts of first-degree murder, five counts of attempted first-degree murder and five counts of assault with a deadly weapon.
Officials described him as acting alone and the motive for the attack remains under investigation.
Edge has a history of filing unconventional lawsuits in North Carolina.
Earlier this year, he sued a local church in May and a medical center in January, alleging plots involving LGBT individuals and white supremacists in both cases. Both suits were dismissed with prejudice.
Edge also authored Headshot: Betrayal of a Nation, in which he claims he was targeted in a global conspiracy during his military service.
One of the injured remains in critical condition, and several diners were visiting from out of state. Authorities have not released the identities of the victims.
Southport Police Chief Todd Coring called the incident “a very tragic night” for the close-knit community and asked residents to keep the victims in their thoughts.
Edge has no significant prior criminal record, though his civil lawsuits and minor legal incidents had brought him to the attention of local authorities.
Following his arrest, he is being held without bond at the Brunswick County Detention Center and is scheduled for an initial court hearing on Monday.
Investigators continue to examine the circumstances of the shooting.
Local residents expressed shock and sorrow over the attack, describing Southport as a tight-knit community where such violence is nearly unheard of.
Emergency responders and law enforcement praised restaurant staff and bystanders for helping protect diners during the chaos.
Officials encouraged anyone with information about the incident to come forward as the investigation continues.
As the community mourns, local leaders emphasized the importance of supporting victims and their families, while law enforcement works to determine any additional factors that may have contributed to Edge’s actions.
