• Port City Pulse
  • Posts
  • PCP Mon Sep 29: Southport in Mourning | Community News & Events

PCP Mon Sep 29: Southport in Mourning | Community News & Events

As Southport grieves, Wilmington rallies with resilience, remembrance, and community connection.

Author

Jason @ Port City Pulse
September 29, 2025

Good morning Wilmington!

Our coastal communities feel like safe havens—places where live music, food, and laughter fill the air. The events in Southport this weekend remind us just how fragile that sense of safety can be, and why keeping connections with neighbors and leaning on one another matters now more than ever.

In today’s Port City Pulse:

  • Southport Mass Shooting Leaves 3 Dead, 8 Injured; Suspect in Custody

  • Southport Shooting “Highly Premeditated” and Targeted Waterfront Bar

  • American Fish Company Shuts Down Indefinitely After Deadly Shooting

Nigel Edge

Southport Mass Shooting Leaves 3 Dead, 8 Injured; Suspect in Custody

CNN A 40-year-old Marine veteran, Nigel Edge, is in custody after a premeditated mass shooting at the American Fish Company in Southport, NC, that killed three and injured at least eight. Police say Edge, an Oak Island resident and Purple Heart recipient, fired from his boat at patrons on an outdoor deck, many of whom were visiting the area. Authorities believe he acted alone. The incident adds to a growing list of mass shootings in the U.S., with victims primarily enjoying live music and waterfront views. Governor Josh Stein expressed heartbreak and pledged state support.

Police: Southport Shooting “Highly Premeditated” and Targeted Waterfront Bar

WECT Southport Police arrested Nigel Edge after a deadly mass shooting at American Fish Company on Saturday night that left three people dead and at least five others injured. Authorities say Edge fired from a boat using a modified AR-style rifle with a suppressor during a live music event. Police described the attack as “highly premeditated” and “a targeted location,” adding that Edge acted alone. Many victims were visitors on vacation, not local residents. Edge faces multiple counts of first-degree murder, attempted murder, and assault with a deadly weapon. He is due in court Monday afternoon. American Fish Company has announced it will remain closed indefinitely.

American Fish Company Shuts Down Indefinitely After Deadly Shooting

WECT American Fish Company has announced it will close indefinitely following Saturday night’s mass shooting that left three dead and five injured. In a Facebook post, the bar said their “hearts are broken” and expressed condolences to victims and families. The closure also extends to sister restaurant Frying Pan as staff and the community grieve. Police say suspect Nigel Edge carried out a “highly premeditated” attack, firing from his boat with a modified AR rifle before being arrested. Edge faces multiple counts of murder and attempted murder.

News Roundup

Local News

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein will visit Southport Monday to meet with local leaders and law enforcement following a deadly mass shooting that killed three and injured five, while also providing updates on hurricane preparedness. WECT

District Attorney Jon David said he may pursue the death penalty against Nigel Max Edge, the suspect in the Southport mass shooting that left three dead and five injured, calling the attack “highly premeditated.” WHQR

What You Should Know

At least four people were killed and eight others wounded after a gunman rammed a vehicle into a Michigan church, opened fire, and set a fire, before being shot and killed by police; the FBI is now leading the investigation as an act of targeted violence. CNN

Protesters clashed with ICE agents in Portland after President Trump deployed federal troops to the city, prompting criticism from local officials who said the military presence was unnecessary and risked escalating unrest. New York Post

Don’t Miss

Audition for the Hunchback of Notre Dame

Today: 6:30 Pm - 9Pm @ the North Front Theater - ILM

And Seen Theatrical Productions is seeking talented performers ages 13–18 for our upcoming production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame. We are especially seeking excellent choral singers to bring this epic score to life.

Ocean Innovation Conference

TUE SEPT 30: 8:30 AM - 4Pm @ Burney Center - UNCW
From climate change to overfishing to pollution, many problems must be addressed to protect our ocean. Entrepreneurs, universities, and governments are focusing on "what's next" in protecting the ocean.

Generations of Generosity

TUE SEPT 30: 6-8Pm @ United Way - DT
Since the Community Chest was established in the 1940's, our organization has been supported by the kindness and generosity of those who would give the time, talent, and treasure. Through each generation we have grown, adapted, pivoted, and persevered to be a long standing pillar of the Cape Fear region. We are over the moon about the opportunity to share an evening of gratitude with our attendees, and we look forward to seeing you there.

Metaphysical Meetup

WED OCT 1: 5Pm @ Madame Meerkat’s Cabinet of Curiosities - ILM
It's the first Wednesday of the month and that means it's time to get together with like-minded folks in the magical space that is Madame Meerkat's Cabinet of Curiosities.

With Samhain coming up, we will be offering a small Samhain ritual to take part in at whatever time you choose during the meet-up hours.

Weather

Mon Sep 29: 🌧️ Showers | 77° / 70° | 63% | NE 12 mph
Tue Sep 30: 🌧️ Showers | 75° / 65° | 48% | NNE 18 mph
Wed Oct 01: 🌥️ Partly Cloudy | 77° / 59° | 3% | NNE 17 mph

Live Music

Today

Open Mic

7:00 PM-Midnight @ Bazarre - ILM

Open Mic with Delia Stanley

8-11:30 PM @ Mad Katz - MJ

Frank Grant’s Music Mondays

8:00-11:00 PM @ Wilmington Distillery - DT

Tuesday

Open Mic

7:00 PM @ Greenfield Lake Yacht Club - ILM

Lake Street Dive

8:00 PM @ Live Oak Bank Pavilion - DT

Cape Fear Blues Jam

8:00 PM @ The Rusty Nail - ILM

Wednesday

Congress The Band

7:00 PM @ Bowstring - SPD

Open Mic

7:00-10:00 PM @ Celtic Monkey - ILM

Hump Day Ham Jam

8:00 PM-11:00 PM @ Wilmington Distillery - ILM

To-Do!

✅ TODAY NATIONAL COFFEE DAY☕ Get a FREE Coffee!
🍔 Burger King – Free iced coffee w/ $1+ in-app purchase TODAY
🍩 Dunkin’ – Free medium hot/iced coffee w/ app purchase TODAY
🍽️ Huddle House – Free coffee w/ meal from Sept 28–Oct 3
🥐 Paris Baguette – Free coffee w/ any purchase from Sept 27–29
🥭 Playa Bowls – BOGO Cold Brew (20oz) TODAY
🛵 Scooter’s Coffee – Free medium coffee daily TODAYSept 29
☕ 7-Eleven, Speedway & Stripes – Free coffee w/ breakfast sandwich thru Oct 28
🌀 Circle K – Free medium hot/iced coffee via app (no purchase)
🍩 Krispy Kreme – Free medium coffee + donut (no purchase)
ALSO…Buy dozen, get OG dozen for $1 (Code: BOGO1) TODAY
⛽ Sheetz – Free coffee w/ any purchase for rewards members Sept 29–Oct 1
🌟 Starbucks – Sept 25–29: Buy 1 coffee, get 100 bonus stars (BOGO value) TODAY

As we head into a new week, keep the people of Southport in your thoughts. Check the weather before heading out and hug your loved ones a little tighter. Let’s keep this amazing community we live in strong and safe.

-Jason