Tragic Mass Shooting at South Carolina Bar Leaves 4 Dead and 20 Injured
Early Sunday morning, October 12, 2025, a crowded bar on St. Helena Island in Beaufort County, South Carolina, became the scene of a devastating mass shooting. According to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, four people were killed at the scene, and at least 20 others were injured, with four of those victims in critical condition at local hospitals. The identities of the victims have not been released, pending notification of families.
What Happened?
- Location and Timeline: The gunfire erupted around 1 a.m. at Willie’s Bar and Grill on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, a popular spot known for drawing large crowds on weekends. Deputies responded to multiple 911 calls reporting shots fired and arrived to find chaos, with victims suffering from gunshot wounds scattered across the area.
- Immediate Response: Witnesses and victims fled to nearby businesses and residences for safety amid the gunfire. Emergency services transported the injured to hospitals, where medical teams are treating the wounded.
- Investigation Status: The sheriff’s office is actively investigating, with “persons of interest” identified but no arrests announced as of midday Sunday. Authorities have urged anyone with information to contact Investigator Master Sergeant Duncan at 843-255-3418.
Official Reactions
Beaufort County Sheriff P.J. Tanner described the event as a “tragic and difficult incident” in a statement, expressing condolences to the victims’ loved ones and asking for public patience during the probe. U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.), whose district includes the area, posted on X: “COMPLETELY HEARTBROKEN to learn about the devastating shooting in Beaufort County,” offering support to first responders and the community.
St. Helena Island, part of the scenic Sea Islands with a rich Gullah Geechee heritage, is typically a peaceful coastal community. This shooting has shattered that tranquility, reigniting national conversations on gun violence in nightlife venues. Updates are expected as the investigation unfolds—stay tuned for more from reliable sources like NPR and local outlets. Our thoughts are with the victims, families, and the entire Beaufort County community during this heartbreaking time.