Three Killed, Several Injured in Southport Waterfront Shooting

On Saturday night, a gunman aboard a boat opened fire on patrons at the American Fish Company, a waterfront bar in Southport, North Carolina, resulting in three fatalities and several injuries. The boat paused in front of the establishment before the shooting began, according to city spokesperson ChyAnn Ketchum.

Southport Police Chief Todd Coring reported that "possibly six" individuals were being treated at local hospitals, though their conditions were not immediately available. The identities of the deceased have not been publicly disclosed.

The shooter fled toward the Intracoastal Waterway, with the boat possibly heading toward Oak Island. Authorities in Oak Island continued the investigation, and a person of interest was being questioned late Saturday, as stated by Chief Coring.

The U.S. Coast Guard detained an individual matching the shooter's description after observing them loading a boat at a public ramp in Oak Island. While the motive remains unclear, Chief Coring reassured residents, stating, "I'm comfortable to say that we don't feel like there's any additional threats to the community."

The incident prompted a significant law enforcement response, with the city urging residents to remain indoors and report any suspicious activity. Multiple agencies, including the Brunswick County Sheriff's Office, the FBI, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, are assisting in the ongoing investigation. Chief Coring described the event as "a very tragic night" for the close-knit community.