SOUTHPORT, N.C. — The City of Southport has released the names of the three individuals who tragically lost their lives in a mass shooting over the weekend at the American Fish Company, a popular waterfront bar. The incident occurred on Saturday, September 27, 2025, leaving three dead and five others injured in a violent attack that shocked the coastal community.
Authorities identified the victims as 64-year-old Joy Rogers of Southport, 36-year-old Solomon Banjo of Charlottesville, Virginia, and 56-year-old Michael Durbin of Galena, Ohio. All three were pronounced dead after gunfire erupted inside the venue, turning what began as a lively evening into a scene of chaos and heartbreak. Their deaths have deeply affected not only their families but also the broader Southport community, where residents are struggling to process the tragedy.
In a public statement, city leaders urged compassion and privacy for the grieving families. “We ask that you be respectful of these victims’ families as they try to navigate this difficult situation,” officials said. They emphasized that the impact of the shooting extends beyond the immediate victims, touching friends, neighbors, and visitors who consider Southport a welcoming, close-knit town. Vigils and memorial services are already being discussed as residents look for ways to honor the lives lost.
Five other individuals sustained injuries during the shooting and remain hospitalized. Authorities have not released details about their conditions but confirmed that medical teams are providing ongoing care. City officials expressed their support for those who survived, stating that their “thoughts and prayers remain with the injured as they continue their recovery.” The extent of these injuries, while undisclosed, underscores the severity of the violence that erupted inside the establishment.
The Southport Police Department, working with law enforcement partners, continues to investigate the circumstances of the shooting. Officials have not provided details on a possible motive or suspect in this version of events but said updates will be released as the case develops. Investigators are seeking eyewitness accounts and digital evidence, including photos and videos, from anyone who was at the American Fish Company on September 26 or 27. Those with information are urged to contact Southport Police at (910) 457-7911.
As the investigation moves forward, the community is left to grieve and reflect on the fragility of life in the wake of violence. The release of the victims’ names has personalized the tragedy, reminding Southport residents that the victims were more than just numbers — they were family members, friends, and neighbors. While unanswered questions remain, the community’s resilience and support for one another have already begun to shine through as Southport honors the lives of Rogers, Banjo, and Durbin.