Southport, North Carolina – Authorities have confirmed that Sean DeBevoise, also known as Nigel Max Edge, has been identified as the suspected gunman in the horrific mass shooting that took place at the Southport Yacht Basin. The attack, which erupted at a popular waterfront restaurant, left at least three people dead and eight others injured, shocking a community known more for its charm than for tragedy.
The shooting occurred on a busy evening as families, locals, and visitors gathered to enjoy food, music, and the coastal atmosphere. Witnesses reported that the suspect entered the restaurant area before opening fire, sending patrons into chaos as gunshots echoed across the docks and surrounding businesses. “It was pure panic,” one bystander recalled. “People were running in every direction, some jumping into the water to escape.”
Law enforcement officials responded quickly after receiving multiple 911 calls. Within minutes, officers surrounded the restaurant and secured the area while emergency medical personnel tended to the victims. Despite their rapid response, three individuals were pronounced dead at the scene. Eight others were rushed to nearby hospitals in Wilmington and Brunswick County, where several remain in critical condition.
The identities of the victims have not yet been released as families are being notified. Authorities emphasized that their priority is supporting the loved ones of those killed and injured. Counselors and crisis response teams have been made available to both families and survivors of the tragedy.
Investigators revealed that Sean DeBevoise, also known under the alias Nigel Max Edge, is a 40-year-old Marine veteran from Oak Island. His military service and personal history are now central to the investigation, as law enforcement works to determine what may have motivated the deadly attack. Officials are also reviewing past legal filings and writings that suggest the suspect harbored conspiracy-driven grievances against institutions.
Federal agents have joined local police in processing the crime scene. They are analyzing surveillance footage, shell casings, and eyewitness statements to piece together the timeline of the shooting. Authorities have not ruled out whether the attack was premeditated or connected to broader ideological motives.
Residents of Southport have expressed deep sorrow and disbelief. The waterfront, often described as the heart of the town, has now become a place of mourning. Candlelight vigils are being planned, with community leaders calling for solidarity and resilience in the face of tragedy. “This is a wound on our town,” one official said. “But we will heal together.”
Those who knew the suspect from Oak Island describe a man who had grown increasingly isolated in recent years. Some neighbors recalled erratic behavior and heated disputes, while others remembered him as quiet but deeply distrustful of others. Authorities are exploring whether these patterns contributed to the events that unfolded.
The shooting has sparked wider conversations about veteran mental health, access to firearms, and public safety in community gathering spaces. Advocacy groups across North Carolina are calling for urgent reforms to prevent similar tragedies.
As the investigation continues, Southport faces the painful reality of a beloved restaurant transformed into a crime scene. With Sean DeBevoise in custody and charges pending, the focus remains on seeking justice for the victims and helping a shaken town recover from one of the darkest nights in its history.