New Bern, N.C. – Three individuals were killed late Sunday night when a gunman opened fire from a boat on patrons at a riverside bar in New Bern, North Carolina. The incident, which sent shockwaves through the quiet coastal community, prompted a massive law enforcement response as authorities launched an immediate search for the assailant.
The shooting occurred shortly after 11 p.m. on September 28, 2025, at The River’s Edge Tavern, a popular establishment located along the Neuse River. Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots before realizing they were under attack. The suspect, operating an unidentified vessel, is believed to have approached the bar from the water before unleashing a barrage of gunfire on the building and its patrons.
Emergency services arrived swiftly to find three people fatally wounded. Their identities have not yet been released by authorities, pending notification of next of kin. Several other individuals sustained minor injuries in the ensuing panic, though it is unclear if these were direct gunshot wounds or injuries incurred while seeking cover.
Investigation Underway
The New Bern Police Department, alongside the Craven County Sheriff’s Office and agents from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), immediately secured the scene. A multi-agency search operation for the suspect and the boat was initiated, encompassing both land and extensive water patrols along the Neuse River and its tributaries. Authorities have yet to establish a motive for the unprovoked attack.
“This is a heinous act of violence that has absolutely no place in our community,” stated New Bern Police Chief Michael O’Connell in a press briefing Monday morning. “Our thoughts are with the victims and their families during this incredibly difficult time. We are utilizing every resource at our disposal to apprehend the individual responsible and bring them to justice. We urge anyone with information, no matter how small, to come forward.”
The unexpected attack has left residents stunned and fearful. The River’s Edge Tavern remains closed indefinitely as investigators process the complex crime scene, collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are appealing to the public for any information that could assist in identifying the gunman or providing details about the vessel involved in the deadly incident.
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