A tragic incident unfolded in Southport, North Carolina, where a former decorated Marine combat veteran, Nigel Edge, was charged with a mass shooting that left three people dead and five others injured. The shooting took place at the American Fish Company on Saturday night as Edge, 40, allegedly fired an assault rifle from his boat at patrons and vacationers.

Today, Edge is set to appear in court facing serious charges including murder, attempted murder, and assault. Authorities describe the attack as a “highly premeditated” act of violence that occurred close to shore. Eyewitnesses reported that Edge piloted his boat into proximity of the bar, briefly halted, and opened fire indiscriminately. He was apprehended by U.S. Coast Guard officials approximately 30 minutes after the shooting.

Among those injured, five individuals remain hospitalized as investigations continue. Edge, originally from Suffern, New York, had recently changed his name from Sean DeBevoise. He claimed to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder due to combat injuries sustained during his service.

Oak Island Chief Charles Morris noted that Edge was a familiar figure in the area, having filed numerous lawsuits against local authorities and making several sensational claims, including alleging mistreatment due to personal identity issues.

Legal documents indicated a troubling pattern of behavior, showcasing Edge's grievances against various entities. His military service from 2003 to 2009 included deployments in Iraq, earning him a Purple Heart among other commendations for bravery. Details surrounding the nature of his past combat injuries remain undisclosed, though historical reports suggest significant trauma from multiple gunshot wounds during an engagement in Iraq in 2006.

As the community grapples with the aftermath of this shocking event, the plight of veterans coping with mental health issues highlights a critical need for awareness and support within society.