Beaufort, South Carolina, October 9, 2025

News Summary

Master Sgt. William Squires of the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office was terminated after an incident where he pointed his service firearm at teenagers. The confrontation, which occurred in Hilton Head, was captured on video and sparked significant public outcry. Squires faced suspension for insubordination after refusing a breathalyzer test and is now under investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. Sheriff Tanner stated that Squires’ actions do not reflect the BCSO’s standards, and multiple policy violations are being reviewed.

Beaufort, South Carolina

Q: Who was terminated from the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office?

Master Sgt. William 'Billy' Squires was terminated from the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office on October 3 after an internal investigation.

Master Sgt. William “Billy” Squires, a 19-year veteran of the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), was terminated on October 3 after an internal investigation into his conduct during a confrontation with teenagers on September 28. The incident involved Squires pointing his service firearm at a group of minors in the Squiresgate community on Hilton Head Island.

The encounter was captured on a now-viral video that has sparked outrage among local residents and garnered widespread attention on social media platforms. Dressed in civilian clothing along with his BCSO tactical vest, Squires reportedly approached the teens and pointed his gun at them, demanding they get on the ground. Witnesses reported that during the confrontation, he grabbed one of the boys and threatened to shoot if the group did not comply with his orders.

Prior to law enforcement arriving at the scene, the BCSO communications center received numerous calls regarding a disturbance, with some reports indicating shots fired. When deputies arrived, Squires was still in possession of his department-issued equipment, including his service weapon, badge, and radio. Concerned about his behavior, Sheriff P.J. Tanner ordered a breathalyzer test for Squires after being informed of the incident by Command Duty Officer Lt. Craig Washington.

Squires refused to submit to the breathalyzer test, leading to his placement on unpaid leave as well as the collection of his credentials and weapons, which resulted in his suspension for insubordination. Following the incident, Squires admitted to consuming alcohol before the confrontation took place.

Sheriff Tanner characterized Squires’ actions as “appalling,” noting that they violated multiple BCSO policies. Violations included failure to obey lawful orders, unprofessional conduct, being under the influence while armed, unlawful arrest attempts, and the failure to activate his body-worn camera during the incident. As a result, Squires’ law enforcement certification has been referred to the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy for possible revocation.

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has initiated a criminal investigation into the incident, which remains ongoing. The findings from this investigation will be submitted to the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office upon completion.

In response to the community’s outrage, Sheriff Tanner reiterated that Squires’ actions do not represent the standards upheld by the BCSO and expressed understanding for the public’s reaction to the incident.

Summary of Events

Master Sgt. William “Billy” Squires fired after pointing gun at teens while off-duty.
Incident occurred on September 28 in Hilton Head Island.
Video of the incident went viral on social media.
Squires faced immediate suspension for insubordination and refusing a breathalyzer.
SLED has opened a criminal investigation; findings to be reviewed by the Solicitor’s Office.

Background Context

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is responsible for providing law enforcement services in Beaufort County, South Carolina. Officers are trained to adhere to strict guidelines regarding conduct, especially in situations involving the use of firearms and interaction with the public. Violations of these standards can lead to disciplinary actions, including termination and criminal investigations.

FAQ Section

Who was terminated from the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office?

Master Sgt. William “Billy” Squires was terminated from the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office on October 3 after an internal investigation.

What incident led to Squires’ termination?

The incident occurred on September 28 when Squires pointed his service firearm at a group of teenagers in the Squiresgate community on Hilton Head Island.

How did the community react to the incident?

The encounter was captured on a now-viral video that sparked outrage among residents and gained attention on social media.

What actions were taken against Squires after the incident?

Squires was placed on unpaid leave, had his credentials and weapons collected, and was suspended for insubordination after refusing a breathalyzer test.

Has a criminal investigation been opened into the incident?

Yes, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has opened a criminal investigation into the incident, which is ongoing and expected to conclude soon.

Key Features of the Incident

Feature	Details
Officer Involved	Master Sgt. William “Billy” Squires
Years of Service	19 years
Date of Incident	September 28
Date of Termination	October 3
Community Reaction	Outrage and viral video
Violations	Multiple BCSO policy violations
Investigation Status	Ongoing criminal investigation by SLED

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Shooting Incident in Beaufort Plaza Leads to Fatality
Marine Corps Veteran Donald Ungar Passes Away
Deputy Terminated After Pointing Gun at Teenagers
Beaufort County Struggles with Tax Debts from Sanctioned Bankers
Former Officer Fired for Gun Incident with Teenagers
Deputy William Squires Fired for Pointing Gun at Teens
Former Beaufort County Officer Fired After Threatening Teens
Beaufort County Deputy Terminated After Altercation with Teens
Former Deputy Terminated for Inappropriate Conduct
Sheriff’s Deputy Fired After Confronting Teens with Gun

Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT

The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.

Beaufort County Sheriff’s Officer Terminated After Gun Incident