Southport to mark one year since deadly waterfront shooting
SOUTHPORT, NC (WWAY) — Southport is preparing to mark one year since a shooting along the city’s waterfront killed three people and injured several others, with two public events planned to honor the victims, their families and others impacted by the tragedy.
The shooting happened Sept. 27, 2025, during what had begun as a typical Saturday night at American Fish Company. Gunfire broke out along the waterfront, turning the evening into a deadly scene.
For those who live and work in Southport, the impact continued long after the scene was cleared.
In the days that followed, community members gathered to support the families who lost loved ones and others affected by the shooting.
Southport Police Chief Todd Coring said one of the moments that has stayed with him was seeing the community gather for prayer shortly after the shooting.
“When I got the call that, ‘Hey, the community wants to pray and gather at the church tonight,’ I remember getting there for that and there were probably some over a thousand people in attendance, people standing out in the streets,” Coring said. “You know, it spoke volumes to me. I said, ‘We’re going to be good. We won’t let this define us.’”
Coring said the shooting will always be remembered, but so will the way Southport responded in its aftermath.
“I think people will always remember the incident. We’ll never forget it, but they’re going to look back at how we respond and how we healed, and how pressed and pushed forward,” Coring said.
As the one-year anniversary approaches, the Southport Police and Fire departments are joining Southport Cares and Southport Baptist Church for two public remembrance events Sunday, Sept. 27.
A memorial tree dedication and ceremony will begin at 2 p.m. at Taylor Field Park, 409 E. Nash St. The ceremony will honor those killed, injured and impacted by the shooting.
The event will be held rain or shine and is open to the public.
A prayer vigil will follow at 6 p.m. at Southport Baptist Church, 200 N. Howe St. That event is also open to the public.
As Southport marks one year since the shooting, Coring said the memories of that day remain, along with the community response that followed.
