Four killed in mass shooting on St. Helena Island
Over 20 wounded as gunfire erupts at Willie’s Bar and Grill during crowded night event
Four people were killed and at least 20 others wounded in a mass shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island, Beaufort County authorities said. Deputies arriving just before 1 a.m. found numerous people with gunshot wounds; four of the injured later died and four others were reported in critical condition. The sheriff’s office said it is investigating but declined to release further details or the victims’ names pending family notifications.
Hundreds of patrons were at the restaurant when the shooting occurred, according to officials, creating chaotic scenes as emergency crews triaged and transported the wounded to nearby hospitals. Medical personnel treated injuries ranging from minor to life‑threatening. Law enforcement officers secured the area, canvassed for witnesses and began collecting evidence, including surveillance footage, ballistic material and witness statements. Authorities urged anyone with recordings or information to come forward.
Willie’s Bar and Grill, which advertises traditional Gullah‑Geechee cuisine, is located on St. Helena Island, a community noted for its cultural ties to descendants of enslaved Africans. Local leaders and residents expressed shock and sorrow, describing the event as a profound blow to a close‑knit community.
The sheriff’s office characterized the incident as a tragic and difficult episode for everyone involved. Officials have not released details on a suspect, motive or whether any arrests have been made, and they stressed that the investigation remains active. As investigators work, heightened law enforcement presence and investigative activity continued in the area.
The shooting adds to a pattern of mass‑casualty shootings in the United States over recent years, a trend tracked by nonprofit groups documenting incidents in which four or more people are shot. The episode has reignited local and national conversations about public safety, event security and gun policy. Community members called for support services for victims and families, and local authorities said they would provide updates as they become available.
In the immediate aftermath, community organizations and officials coordinated to offer assistance to those affected and to provide information on how residents can help—by sharing tips with investigators or offering support to survivors. Civic leaders emphasized the need for solidarity as the investigation proceeds and as the community begins to grieve and recover.
