Mass shooting rocks South Carolina island: 4 dead, 20 injured

A mass shooting at a popular gathering place on St. Helena Island, South Carolina, has left four people dead and at least 20 injured, shocking the small coastal community. The incident occurred early Sunday, October 12, 2025, in Beaufort County.

The violence erupted just before 1:00 a.m. Sunday at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island, a location considered the heart of the area’s historic Gullah Geechee culture.

Hundreds of people were at the bar attending a Battery Creek High School alumni event when the shooting started.

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that four people were pronounced dead at the scene. At least 20 other people were injured with four reported to be in critical condition at local hospitals.

Deputies arrived at the bar to find a chaotic scene with multiple gunshot victims. Bar owner Willie Turral was inside when the shots began firing “in bursts” outside. He described the terrifying moment to reporters:

“Screaming and panic and fear.” He added, “It was scary from the inside, people not knowing what’s really going on outside, people trying to get to safety.”

The Sheriff’s Office is investigating “persons of interest,” but no arrests have been formally announced. The motive for the shooting remains unclear.

U.S. Representative Nancy Mace, whose district includes the island, posted her condolences:

“COMPLETELY HEARTBROKEN to learn about the devastating shooting in Beaufort County. Our prayers are with the victims, their families, and everyone impacted by this horrific act of violence.”