Tragedy struck late Saturday evening in a North Carolina coastal town when three individuals lost their lives and at least eight others sustained injuries in a shocking shooting incident. The terrifying event unfolded around 9:30 p.m. near a vibrant cluster of bars and eateries along Southport’s scenic waterfront, a historic port situated approximately 30 miles (48 kilometers) south of Wilmington. According to investigators, an attacker in a small boat approached the shore, momentarily paused, and then opened fire indiscriminately into the gathered crowd before making a swift escape.
Approximately thirty minutes later, a vigilant U.S. Coast Guard crew located an individual matching the suspect’s description, who was in the process of pulling a boat out of the water at a public ramp on the adjacent Oak Island. This individual was promptly apprehended and handed over to Southport police for questioning regarding the incident.
As of now, officials have not disclosed the identity of the suspect or the potential motive behind this heinous attack. Law enforcement teams from various agencies, including the State Bureau of Investigation and the Coast Guard, continued their efforts on the water and at the crime scene throughout Sunday, meticulously gathering evidence and conducting interviews with witnesses.
The names of the deceased and the conditions of those injured have not yet been released by authorities.