SOUTHPORT ACTIVE SHOOTER: TEEN SUSPECT IDENTIFIED, 2 DEAD AND 16 INJURED
Southport, NC – A night of horror unfolded at the Southport Yacht Basin on Saturday, September 27, 2025, after authorities say a 17-year-old armed with rifles opened fire, killing two people and wounding at least 16 others. Officials caution that the number of casualties may still climb as hospitals continue to treat victims.
The suspected gunman has been identified as 17-year-old Davis Jones, who, according to investigators, allegedly carried out the shooting using rifles that belonged to his father. How Jones gained access to the firearms remains under investigation, with law enforcement working alongside federal agencies to track the origin and storage of the weapons.
The shooting was first reported at 9:53 p.m., when a wave of frantic 911 calls reported gunfire at the marina. Police, deputies, and paramedics arrived within minutes, locking down the area and ordering residents to remain in their homes.
Eyewitnesses recounted scenes of terror as families and boaters scrambled for cover. “People just dropped everything and ran. Some hid in restaurants, others jumped onto their boats. It was complete chaos,” said one witness who was nearby when the shots rang out.
Emergency responders rushed the wounded to nearby hospitals. Several victims remain in critical condition, and officials have not yet released the names of the deceased, pending family notification.
Authorities confirmed that Jones was taken into custody without further violence. Multiple rifles were seized at the scene, all believed to have come from his father’s collection. Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses, and examining the suspect’s digital activity in search of a motive.
Southport Police Chief and city officials addressed the media late Saturday night, calling the incident a “shattering tragedy” for the community. “Southport is grieving tonight. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and everyone touched by this senseless act of violence,” one official said.
In the aftermath, local schools and public spaces are expected to tighten security, while grief counselors will be made available to support students and families affected by the events.
The investigation remains active and ongoing. Police are asking residents with photos, videos, or information from the yacht basin during the incident to come forward to assist in building a full timeline of what transpired.
For now, Southport continues to grapple with the shock of a violent night that has left its waterfront community forever changed.
