Three people were killed and at least eight others injured after a boat briefly stopped near the American Fish Company restaurant in North Carolina and opened fire, according to the Southport Police Department.
Newsweek contacted the Southport Police Department via email for comment outside office hours.
Why It Matters
Southport is located about 30 miles south of Wilmington. The Southport Yacht Basin offers a variety of bars and restaurants.
North Carolina allows open carry without a permit, and historically required a permit for concealed handguns. State legislation, such as Senate Bill 50, sought permitless concealed carry, but was vetoed by Governor Josh Stein on June 20, 2025. State statutes still govern permits, purchases, and restricted locations, and background checks still apply.
What To Know
On Saturday evening at approximately 9:30 p.m., the Southport Police Department responded to reports of gunfire and multiple injuries at the American Fish Company, located at 150 Yacht Basin Drive, in Southport, according to city officials.
A single-occupant boat traveling on the Cape Fear River briefly stopped near the restaurant and opened fire, authorities said.
The boat then left the area, heading toward the Intracoastal Waterway in the direction of Oak Island.
Shortly after 10 p.m., the U.S. Coast Guard reported locating an individual matching the suspect’s description at the public boat ramp on NE 55th Street in Oak Island, around 20 miles from the border with South Carolina.
The individual was detained by Coast Guard personnel and is currently in the custody of the Oak Island Police Department. Authorities said the suspect will be transferred to the Southport Police Department for questioning, with assistance from the State Bureau of Investigation.
“There is currently no known further credible threat to the public,” the City of Southport wrote in a press release shared on Facebook.
Four victims were taken to Novant New Hanover Regional Medical Center, and two others to Dosher Memorial Hospital for treatment, according to WHQR.
Authorities have not released the names of those killed or injured and no details on the suspect have been released as yet.
What People Are Saying
“We don’t feel like there’s any additional threats to the community right now,” Southport Police Chief Todd Coring said during a news briefing. “We’re working with neighboring Oak Island with a possible suspect.”
The City of Southport wrote on Facebook: “This investigation is still in an…
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