SOUTHPORT, N.C. — A night of terror gripped the waterfront community of Southport on Saturday, September 27, 2025, after police confirmed that a 17-year-old gunman, identified as Davis Jones, opened fire at the Southport Yacht Basin, killing two people and injuring at least 16 others. Authorities cautioned that the death toll may rise as hospitals continue to treat several victims in critical condition.
The shooting erupted just before midnight in the heart of the marina district, where locals and tourists had gathered to enjoy the lively waterfront atmosphere. The Southport Yacht Basin, known for its restaurants, music, and views of the Cape Fear River, was packed with people when chaos struck. Witnesses said the sound of gunfire sent crowds scrambling for cover in what they described as pure panic.
Police reported that Jones, armed with a semi-automatic weapon, fired multiple rounds into the crowd before being subdued by officers who quickly arrived at the scene. The suspect was taken into custody without further violence. Officials say investigators are working to determine a motive and whether the attack was planned or carried out spontaneously.
Emergency responders rushed to the marina within minutes of the first 911 calls. Victims were treated on-site as paramedics worked frantically to stabilize the wounded. Several people were transported by ambulance to nearby hospitals, while others had to be airlifted due to the severity of their injuries. Doctors later confirmed that multiple patients underwent emergency surgeries.
Authorities have not yet released the names of the two people killed, pending notification of family members. Community members, however, have begun gathering at makeshift memorials near the waterfront to honor those lost. Many left flowers, candles, and handwritten notes, reflecting the depth of grief now hanging over the close-knit town.
Southport, often celebrated for its quiet charm and historic waterfront, has been left shaken by the magnitude of the attack. Residents awoke Sunday to find large portions of the yacht basin sealed off with police tape as investigators combed the scene for evidence. Shell casings, surveillance footage, and eyewitness testimony are now key to reconstructing the events of that night.
The Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and federal agencies are assisting local police in the investigation. Officials are reviewing the suspect’s background and online activity to determine if there were warning signs that went unnoticed. Authorities say no further threat to the public exists, though security has been heightened in the area.
Local leaders expressed sorrow and outrage following the attack, describing it as one of the darkest days in Southport’s history. Vigils are being organized, and counseling services are being offered to survivors, witnesses, and families affected by the tragedy. Clergy from across the region have joined efforts to support the grieving community.
Businesses surrounding the marina, many of them family-owned, have pledged to contribute to relief funds for the victims. The American Fish Company and other waterfront establishments announced they will hold benefit events to aid families as they recover from the devastating losses.
As Southport mourns the lives cut short and prays for those still fighting for survival, the community faces the long process of healing. For residents, the memory of September 27, 2025, will serve as a painful reminder of how quickly peace can be shattered. Yet amid sorrow, there is determination to stand united and ensure that the victims of this senseless act are never forgotten.