A devastating shooting occurred Thursday afternoon, July 31, 2025, at the Avalon Fishing Pier in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, prompting an immediate response from law enforcement and emergency services. The incident has left the community shaken, with reports confirming multiple victims, including a tragic child fatality.

According to preliminary reports, the Kill Devil Hills Police Department received calls about gunfire at the pier around mid-afternoon. Witnesses described a chaotic scene, with shots ringing out near the end of the pier’s ramp by the parking lot, shortly after a vehicle arrived. An employee at the pier was among those who alerted authorities, reporting what they initially thought might have been fireworks but quickly realized were gunshots.
Eyewitness accounts paint a harrowing picture. A woman who spoke to local media described the aftermath, saying, “I heard from a friend who was there—she was sobbing. She saw a child covered in a sheet, lifeless. It’s heartbreaking.” Reports indicate that approximately seven shots were fired, striking three individuals. While one child’s death has been confirmed by witnesses, official details regarding the victims’ identities or conditions have not yet been released by authorities.

The Kitty Hawk Police Department, in coordination with Kill Devil Hills law enforcement, launched a swift manhunt for the suspect. Authorities located and arrested an individual in Kitty Hawk shortly after the incident. The suspect’s identity and potential motive remain undisclosed as the investigation continues.

Austin Ayers, a North Carolina congressional candidate, addressed the tragedy on social media, stating, “My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by the incident at Avalon Pier. I urge the public to respect the first responders working diligently at the scene and to comply with any requests to clear the area.”

The Avalon Fishing Pier, a popular local landmark at milepost 7, has been cordoned off as an active crime scene. Investigators are collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses to piece together the events leading up to the shooting. The Kill Devil Hills Police Department has indicated that an official statement will be released as more information becomes available.

The community remains in mourning, grappling with the shock of this tragic event at a cherished Outer Banks destination known for its vibrant atmosphere and family-friendly environment.