Southport police chief details minute-by-minute response to shooting, pledges to restore sense of safety

SOUTHPORT, NC (WWAY) — Nearly two months after a mass shooting at American Fish Company shook the Southport waterfront, Police Chief Todd Coring delivered a detailed briefing to the Southport Board of Aldermen, outlining the minute-by-minute response and the department’s work to restore public confidence.

Coring addressed the board Thursday night, joined by fire chiefs Charles Drew and Ralph Treadway and multiple officers who responded to the Sept. 27 shooting. Coring said he felt it was important to publicly walk through what he called an unprecedented incident for the city and to recognize the responders whose immediate actions prevented further loss of life.

Coring recounted the initial eight minutes in precise detail:

• Minute 1: Dispatch received the first call from an American Fish Company employee reporting shots fired. Additional calls followed immediately
• Minute 2: Information from multiple callers confirmed the situation was an active shooter firing from a boat into American Fish Company. Dispatch upgraded the call, confirmed multiple victims and treated it as a mass-casualty incident. Ten calls came in during that minute alone, overwhelming the 911 system.
• Minute 3: Callers reported more victims and additional injuries. Southport Fire and EMS began response and standby protocols until the scene could be deemed safe by law enforcement.
• Minute 4: A Southport officer arrived as new information came in describing the suspect’s boat and direction of travel.
• Minute 5: Southport and Boiling Spring Lakes officers reached the scene together, updating dispatch on victim counts and conditions. Fire and EMS remained staged.
• Minute 7: EMS and fire units were cleared to proceed into the scene.
• Minute 8: The Coast Guard and Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office marine units were notified, and helicopters were placed on standby as officers began treating victims and securing the waterfront.

The crime scene remained active until 8:30 a.m. the following Sunday.

Coring credited officers for using tactical medical skills, including applying tourniquets and performing CPR before EMS could safely enter. He also praised dispatchers, describing them as “truly the first responders” in their ability to triage information, track multiple callers, and alert outside agencies.

The chief said more than 80 law enforcement officers ultimately assisted, including units from 12 police departments, the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Coast Guard, Marine Fisheries, N.C. Wildlife, SBI, ATF, and Highway Patrol. More than 30 fire and EMS personnel responded from Southport Fire, County EMS, and Sunny Point Rescue.

Residents, ministers, and neighboring restaurants played significant roles in the hours after the shooting. Edgewater Restaurant opened its doors as a temporary command post. Community members offered shelter, prayed with victims, and provided food for responders in the days that followed. Southport Cares raised more than $242,000 for victims and their families.

Coring said responders have undergone debriefings and counseling, with additional support coming from local churches and the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team.

Coring told the board that restoring a feeling of safety is now his top priority. He said police visibility has increased along the waterfront, supported by officers from Ocean Isle Beach, Shallotte, Boiling Spring Lakes, Leland, Oak Island, Bald Head Island, the sheriff’s office, Highway Patrol, and federal partners.

“We cannot let this incident define us,” Coring said, noting that residents continue to request increased patrols at events and along heavily visited areas of the city.

The department has launched an after-action review to identify improvements in training, communication, and coordination. Coring said regular active-shooter training among partner agencies played a major role in operating efficiently.

Suspect Nigel Edge’s next court date, originally set for Thursday, has been postponed until late January.

Coring said he remains in regular contact with victims and their families, who have expressed gratitude for the outpouring of community support.

“The resilience and dedication demonstrated by all involved will not be forgotten,” Coring told the board. “We’re still a safe community. Even in crisis, we’ll rise through this and we’ll pull through together.”