KILL DEVIL HILLS, N.C. — The Kill Devil Hills Police Department has officially identified Henry Hargis, a student at First Flight High School, as the suspect in the fatal shooting that occurred on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at the Avalon Fishing Pier parking lot. The tragic incident left one teenager dead and another seriously injured, sending shockwaves through the community.
Details of the Shooting Incident
According to Assistant Chief of Police Dana Harris, officers were dispatched to the Avalon Fishing Pier at 2:37 p.m. after receiving reports of gunfire in the area. Kill Devil Hills Police responded swiftly, arriving at the scene in under four minutes.
Upon arrival, officers discovered two male victims. The first victim, who had sustained fatal injuries, was pronounced dead at the scene, while the second victim, also male, was airlifted to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital for emergency surgery. The second victim’s condition remains critical, and authorities have not released further details about his health.
Suspect Identified and Apprehended
The suspect, later identified as Henry Hargis, fled the scene before officers arrived, but law enforcement quickly identified him based on witness statements and descriptions of a vehicle seen at the scene. Within a short time, Southern Shores Police, with assistance from other law enforcement agencies, apprehended Hargis without incident.
According to Assistant Chief Harris, the situation was quickly contained, and there is no ongoing threat to the public. “This was an isolated incident,” Harris said. “Our officers worked swiftly to secure the area, and we have a suspect in custody.”
Eyewitness Accounts and Community Shock
Eyewitnesses have provided harrowing accounts of the shooting. One pier employee described how the suspect drove around the parking lot before opening fire on the victims. According to the employee, one victim was shot in the chest, while a second victim, believed to be a visitor at the pier, was shot in the leg.
One emotional witness shared with Channel2 NOW that one of the victims, a young boy, tragically died in the arms of a bystander named Chrissy. “She called me bawling,” the source recounted. “She thought it was fireworks at first—then she realized what had happened.” Chrissy reportedly saw the child covered with a sheet, describing the scene as traumatic and a devastating loss.
Another witness, Helen Ginter, posted on social media that the boy shot in the leg is currently undergoing surgery. “Please pray for my friend’s nephew,” she wrote. “He was just fishing while on vacation. We’re thankful he’s going to be okay.” This statement highlights the community’s concern for the second victim, who, despite his injuries, appears to have a positive prognosis.
The Local Community in Shock
The killings have left the local Kill Devil Hills community devastated. The Avalon Fishing Pier, a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, is now the site of a tragedy that no one could have predicted. Many people who visit the pier for peaceful fishing trips and family outings have been shaken by the violence that occurred in broad daylight.
First Flight High School, where Henry Hargis is a student, has been left reeling by the arrest of one of their own. The school administration has yet to comment on the matter publicly, but there is a sense of disbelief among students and faculty alike.
Public Safety Concerns and Police Response
The Avalon Fishing Pier parking lot was blocked off for several hours after the incident while police continued to process the scene. Officers were seen canvassing the area for potential evidence and interviewing witnesses. Despite the severity of the incident, Assistant Chief Harris reassured the public that there is no imminent danger.
“We are grateful for the community’s cooperation and the quick response of our officers and first responders,” said Harris. “We’re working diligently to uncover what led to this senseless violence.”
As of now, police have not confirmed the exact motive behind the shooting. There has been no indication that the shooting was part of a larger gang conflict, and authorities are still piecing together the events leading up to the tragic attack.
Reaction from Local and State Officials
In the aftermath of the shooting, local leaders and law enforcement have expressed their condolences to the victims’ families and reaffirmed their commitment to addressing gun violence in the area.
Austin Ayers, a Republican congressional candidate for North Carolina’s 3rd District, offered his condolences in a statement. “My thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved in this incident,” Ayers said. “Please respect first responders at Avalon Pier as they do their jobs. Remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to 911.”
The community has also called for further action to address the issue of gun violence in public spaces. Some residents expressed concern over the lack of adequate security measures at popular public venues, like Avalon Pier, where large crowds often gather.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
Authorities have stated that the investigation is ongoing and that they are working hard to determine the motive behind the shooting. They have appealed to the public for any information that might assist in the investigation.
Police have not released the names of the victims involved in the incident, as they are still working to notify their families. The suspect, Henry Hargis, is currently in police custody, facing charges of murder and attempted murder. It is unclear if additional charges will be filed as the investigation unfolds.
The arrest of Hargis raises questions about the security screening of those entering public spaces, particularly in areas frequented by tourists and families. Local residents have voiced concerns about the ease with which the suspect gained access to Avalon Pier with a firearm and the lack of immediate intervention by authorities.
Impact on the Community and Call for Change
As the investigation continues, the community is left to reflect on the tragic events that unfolded on July 31, 2025. The violence that erupted on a peaceful afternoon at Avalon Pier has caused many to reconsider their perception of safety in public spaces. Local officials have vowed to take action to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
In the aftermath, residents are calling for more vigilant security protocols at public venues and better mental health support for individuals who may be at risk of committing violent acts. There is also increasing pressure on local law enforcement agencies to investigate the roots of gun violence and to implement prevention strategies that can help avoid future tragedies.
Conclusion: A Tragic Loss
The tragic shooting at Avalon Pier is a reminder of the ever-present threat of gun violence in public spaces. As the community of Kill Devil Hills grapples with this heartbreaking event, it is clear that Henry Hargis’s actions have left a profound impact on his community, his school, and the victims’ families.
The investigation into the shooting is still in progress, but the pain of this tragedy will be felt for years to come. The Kill Devil Hills Police Department, along with other local law enforcement agencies, is working tirelessly to ensure that justice is served for the victims and their families. The community has rallied together, but questions remain about how to prevent such violence from happening in the future.
As the legal proceedings move forward and the investigation continues, we can only hope that lessons are learned and actions are taken to ensure the safety of all citizens. The Avalon Pier shooting will serve as a painful reminder of the unpredictability of life and the importance of community support in the face of tragedy.