Southport, North Carolina, a quaint coastal town with a population of just under 4,000, was struck by tragedy on Saturday evening when a shooter opened fire from a boat at a bustling waterfront bar. The incident, which occurred outside the American Fish Company at the Southport Yacht Basin, resulted in three fatalities and multiple injuries. According to city spokesperson ChyAnn Ketchum, the assailant arrived by boat around 21:30 local time (01:30 GMT) and began shooting before fleeing towards the Intracoastal Waterway. Law enforcement officials reported that a suspect matching the description was apprehended by the US Coast Guard approximately half an hour later near Oak Island, located about 12 miles (19km) west of the scene. The suspect’s identity remains undisclosed. Southport Police Chief Todd Coring expressed deep sorrow, describing the event as ‘a very tragic night’ for the close-knit community. ‘We’re a small community, one of the communities where everybody knows everybody,’ Chief Coring remarked. Authorities confirmed that six individuals were injured and are currently receiving medical treatment. The identities of the deceased have not yet been released. In response to the incident, Southport officials issued a statement advising residents to stay indoors during the active shooter investigation. Chief Coring later reassured the public, stating, ‘I’m comfortable to say that we don’t feel like there’s any additional threats to the community.’ This shocking event has once again highlighted the pervasive issue of gun violence in the United States.